For an “Actionscript Developer”, you may think that installing a Flash blocker plugin is tantamount to treason. And for platform-devout Flash evangelists, this may be true. But in the platform-agnostic world, a Flash blocker is a useful tool.

Let’s face it, there’s a LOT of poorly-produced Flash content out there. We’ve all seen our share of visually assaulting banners. But let’s not forget the processor-hogs, the unnecessary site headers and the flashterbating intro “splash” screens. As you navigate your way down the freeway of the internet, wouldn’t it be nice if you could avoid these potholes?

Enter, the Flash blocker.

Of course the primary function of a blocker plugin is, well, blocking your browser from downloading and displaying Flash content. This will keep out all the riff-raff, but also block the “good” content as well. What happens when you visit Hulu or YouTube expecting to watch a video?

Any blocker plugin worth it’s salt (I use FlashBlock) will also include a “whitelist” option, which allows the user to specify specific sites or pages on which Flash content will NOT be blocked. Also, good blockers will provide the user with a simple way to allow Flash content to display on a case-by-case basis, such as masking the Flash content area with a button that loads the SWF behind it when clicked.

These features turn a blocker plugin from wall into a gateway, only allowing content the user approves to get through. As someone who spends most of their day on the internet, my Flash blocker plugin has become a vital part of reclaiming my time and sanity as a browse.