Flash bracket

Does anyone useva flash bracket for their macro work? I have been looking at them on Amazon and I have been thinking about getting one of the inexpensive ones to try out.

Have used them in my 35mm days,there was a small ball and socket with the flash shoe attached so you could angle it,i did the alteration myself.

A flash bracket of some kind does seem needed for macro work. It holds the flash slightly farther and higher. Since flash heads don't aim down, you can add an inexpensive small Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head to add aiming versatility (and also adds unbalanced awkwardness). But what are the alternatives?