>Then please, inform me of their benifits? For example, why a flash animation of the UT when a simple still image would do?

We received many feedback in the past that the site was providing high end quality value but its look was not professional. Since we enhanced it, we haven't received one single comment. Instead, we keep receiving weeks after weeks a lot of congratulations comment.

An animated graphic, such as the one for the award, has proven that it attracts more users into the voting process as a static graphic. So, it has helped in that direction as well.

The UT animated login graphic has also helped as many new members are more into creating an account right away to see what's behind the login. Our stats show it as well.

But, in order to avoid any confusion, be sure that we are not going to put them everywhere just because it's an animated graphic. We understand that this has to be used with care.