Animation is fine for sites selling soap and scams. If the website is offering quality items then the content speaks for itself without the 'cutsie' animations.... unless you're selling cutsie animations.
The cutsie images you post with all your messages don't impress me one bit, and the *PIC* in the subject line makes it look like you have useful pictures to contribute to the discussion at hand. Of course now I know better.
Don't take offense...you asked for opinions.
I've turned all animation off at my browser since it only increases download time and sometimes causes the computer to lock-up.