As the Web is primarily a visual medium, you need stimulating graphics. Be careful though that they don't detract from the clear communication of whatever it is you are trying to communicate. It should take fewer than 30 seconds. The more jumps a visitor to your site has to make, the less time he or she will wait for a new page to download. Obviously, if every page takes 4 minutes to load, that person is unlikely to ever come back.
Time is of the essence.
Because of the long load-time for graphics, many people browse the Web with their graphics turned off. Do not make it impossible for these people to negotiate through your site. The minimum is via e-mail. Forms which allow for direct comments. Obviously, if you are selling a product, customers should be able to order directly through the page.