tedster - 8:38 pm on Dec 1, 2002 (gmt 0)

I manage one site that uses banners for other features on their own site. The targeting couldn't be better, and we see lots of traffic hopping around this way.

On the animation side of this discussion, subtle animation can do wonders -- especially if it mimics real world movement (such as the winking owl). One of the most successful banners we created used a short testimonial phrase, followed by a signature which "wrote itself" in below.

I also agree that large elements that flash, blink, spin, etc. are the graphic equivalent of all caps with eleven exclamation marks. They just don't work and the look very cheap and tacky.

They also make it difficult to read anything else on the page, so the only result is "I'm outta here!"