Web 2.0 has been in discussion since early 2004, and since then alot of websites are beggining to become less graphical oreintated. It's good to see companies taking a turn on how the appearence of their website, even though I had doubts that it wouldn't be so great in the past.

It's merely a choice of style.

Just like every other trend. Trends move in cycles. However, the Internet is still very young. So we have no idea how many cycled trends there will be.

As new technologies or methods arise, so will new trends based on those methods or technologies.

I personally think that everyone's style will stick with Web 2.0-ish appeal for a while however. Mainly because of the graphics, and functionality that accompanies it.

For quite some time, people were driven by mechanical styles, etc, because this is the style the 2advanced (one of the most popular design firms on the net), had set forth as an example of standard.

People still follow 2A, but not as much as previously. Mainly because people are growing up, technologies are changing, etc.

I agree with ANMMark, it is just a personal choice in style. I prefer websites that are more "flashy" to those that are more basic. Though I think it would be easier for a potential buyer to sort through a website that is very basic, I do think that alot of peopel look for a well designed, good looking website with nice graphics, and lots of information.

There is no reason you can't have both.

2advanced.net is a good example of basic, yet attractive...I might add expensive too lol.

Well it is style. You want your website to get straight to the point. Too many pictures can be an eyesore for some viewers. or the common phrase, too much eyecandy.