'...Unless, like you say, there is a hidden motive due to rss readers, I would suggest it is because to design a banner, or header, is extremely difficult, unless you know what you are doing.
I have already designed several headers for people on this forum.
Getting traffic to a website is one thing, keeping the people there and/or getting them to come back, is entirely another and this is where a graphics-rich, professional website wins every time. Certainly there must be good content, however, people will come back if the website art is compelling.
Anyone who knows what they are doing with graphics will use all manner of psychological tricks in their designs, from colour choice, to effective fonts to impact on a visitor.
There is a lot more that goes into a professional website than many people realise. This is why I get upset when people want a logo or header knocked up for a few dollars when a good design can make or break your Internet business.
PS Are you based in Marbella permanently? I used to sell property in Puerto Banus and The Canary Islands and still have friends who own businesses in Puerto Banus, where you need 'una hipoteca' (mortgage) to purchase a beer...lol
themagician
