Hello. I use Poser for both animation and still pictures. My animations are always to avi files at this point. I really haven't had a need (yet) to export to flash. If you go to the website www.geekatplay.com there are a number of free Poser tutorials. Also, www.vtc.com has a good Poser tutorial, although not free, is one of the best I have seen. I would just search the web for some other good Poser tutorials, this is how I have learned and of course trial and error as you stated is also good. I think you get the picture.

Hope this helps!