Nice post, but probably the thought goes much beyond websites focused around content consumption only. Take search for example. Google has sold a completely dr

Nice post, but probably the thought goes much beyond websites focused around content consumption only. Take search for example. Google has sold a completely dry and silent web interface for long. And it does work well for them. On the other hand there are companies which have adopted skeuomorphism to an extreme and yet made a buck. Apple, for example though an exceptional one by all means. In the wild, there are also websites that make millions with absolutely terrible interface; even to the point of being called retards by many design gurus. Apparently the decision to have or NOT have a quiet interface depends on a lot of parameters, and not just "coolness". What you're probably trying to emphasize is to focus on "wider audience first", "loyalty" second and then "monetization"? It may or may not be the right approach too. Perhaps you may want to evaluate your design process from the perspective of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. And then there is always difficulty in striking a balance between intent to reach a wider audience and to make money from that audience too. Many entrepreneurs lose it at this stage, even with great products or content.