Okay, I admit it.
Filters are way cool.
They are attractive to first time Photoshop users because with relatively little skill, they can do an extremely complicated effect most other programs can't do, even when used by a Grand Master. But they quickly become cliched. Verbal cliches were obviously at some time considered extremely witty and clever, but their overuse quickly degraded them to the point that their mere utterance is punished by cold glares, or sometimes severe beatings. Likewise, lens flare looks pretty nifty, but the hoards of Photoshop newbies that adorn banners, buttons and photos with innappropriate overuse of flares are quickly becoming an international nuisance. With that aside, please try and use the filter menu with some level of restraint.