Anyone out there know of any alternative flash animation (or any animation for that matter) programs, preferably freeware? Also, anyone out there animate? Any tips?

You should look into SVG. It's not animation software, but a format for displaying junk on the web (This has been modified and enhanced by HTML5 updates, but those aren't official yet)

You can basically animate anything you like traditionally and show it in a browser with significantly less overhead than flash. (this includes movies)

There's also Pencil ...

If you're looking for something that works like flash animation with the transitions, you're not going to find it.

I've done my fair share of animations (mostly sprites for games). Before I knew how to animate in Flash I tried a couple of animators. In my experience they're only slightly easier to learn and use, and sooner or later you'll run into situations where you'll want more functionality so you'll have to learn Flash anyway. My advice, look up some tutorials and start learning how to animate in Flash. It only seems more intimidating than it really is.

Personally I prefer frame by frame animation where you draw every single frame (using onion skinning). But I great way to get started is by learning how to do "tweening".

I've looked at my fair share of tutorials, and they aren't very intimidating, but my major inhibitor is the SHEER COST OF THE PROGRAM. Being broke sucks.

That sucks. You could always take a look on eBay. Sometimes you can find licenses or used copies for pretty decent prices. And even better deals if you'd be happy with a slightly older version like CS3 or CS4.

Flash is flash, and sadly they're owned by Adobe now. If you want to shed a couple of bucks, I'm sure you can get the old version free, or really cheap.

Instead of looking for either CS3 or CS4 go look for Macromedia Flash 8.

It has all the functions Panic says and it's mega accessible, but 5-6 years old.

I hear ya Link. I just find no use to program on Flash anymore. All the awesome things that flash used to do can now be done with css and jquery not to mention html5.

But if ever wanted to make a sprite combat thing again like the good ol' days i'd fire my flash up again.

I think I'm going to download MFP8. It looks like it has everything I'd need.