This has been one factor driving the stratospheric prices of Internet stocks and recent huge payouts for acquisitions of Internet companies. Their high perceived value stems largely from their potential to generate advertising revenue. On a conscious level, people claim not to pay much attention to web ads. In the adrenaline rush of the early years of the Web, the most important thing was to be online. Our survey respondents who are current web users have definite opinions as to what makes for a good web site.
Content is king.
Features such as a site map or a site search, as well as a structure that lets the user zero in on what they want with a minimum number of clicks, fall into this category. These users look for professional looking graphics and a pleasing visual design. While the race to increase the processing speed of computers shows no signs of slowing, the race to connect users to the Internet at higher speeds is just heating up. Several emerging technologies promise faster Internet connections, including high bandwidth phone lines, and even satellite systems. One of the most talked about innovations is cable Internet access, which would bring the Internet connection into the home on the same cable that carries cable television.