Splash pages actually has a value to offer.

However, it's never been thought of HOW to use it effectively. Just like those Flash sites who ask you to click Enter or choose an option and you are greeted by an 'intruded' pop up window.

I don't like splash pages because half the time it doesn't offer me any new significant value. Even for an artist, if it's the same old the user will just click in the next time they visit.

I think a splash page can be taken advantage of depending on its website purpose and its goal.

when you're working or when you're surfing during large amounts of free time..?

anyway, for a company who isn't in the entertainment sector.. i believe splash pages are a waste of time and space. not to mention that you're not using your homepage well enough to climb the search engines.

exactly.

and you know what just came to my mind when some of you are saying that we should use it to tell people what are the requirements the person needs before they enter a website..\

I think that is so unfriendly and inaccessible. Not to mention it doesn't make a difference to the person visiting because whether or not he/she:
1. Reads the requirements.
2. Understands the requirements.
3. Thinks what he/she needs to do.
4. Asks someone what they need to do.

Regardless of all that, they will still enter your website because they've already reached their destination and they will proceed on with their journey.

When a visitor gets to your website, they've a set goal to either find information or etc. So even with those requirements/recommendation on the splash page it's no use because hardly anyone would read their website.

They'd oversee the requirements and just click the Enter because of two very common reasons. They don't understand the technical requirements and they'd only question why isn't the website working later.

I guess this is one of the things web standards proof..accessibility.