A google-powered search bar that lets you choose site or internet in the normal place.An absolute essential that microsoft,in their infinite wisdom, still have not adapted

good colour combination......decent background

Is this what you put on your sites? I prefer a proper search especially for a professional website because the last thing you want is someone to leave your site and this is probably what they will do if you put a google search on it.

Yes but it would generate ad revenue and for exactly the reason you just stated-you should give them the option because everyone has it in the taskbar now anyway,you might as well have it handy and benefit.

In my humble opinion at least

I'm not so sure I agree with teh google search box as a "must" - its a matter of personal oppinion, and what you've decided you want your users to have.

For me - Simplicity is key. Unclutter, get rid of everything that is not essential or that doesn't DO something useful. A few other no-brainers:

-snap cursor to the natural first input box in a set of forms. Nothing worse than extra mouse clicks.
-have your logo link home.
-absolutely no dead links
-only one (max two) adsense blocks per page

I understand why you say that but if you design the site well and intend it to have ads on it from the beginning then have more than that really doesn't effect your sites look or usability.

For example take a look at the page you are viewing now, how many adsense ads does it have? Do they get in the way?

We use Zen-Cart and it works just fine for us. I would recommend it to advanced users, as there is quite a bit of customizing...there also is a great help forum if you have questions...you can find their website by doing a google search for Zen-Cart...

OH, did I mention that it's a FREE program?

They use the same type of help forum program as this one, or they look the same anyway with the Avatar and signature, and quick reply box, smilies, etc...

I like simple. And good colour combination. About 4 colours.
I don't my webpage to load up like a snail.
And I don't want people to get blinded just by looking at my web.
:cheesy:

A creative design. Nothing messy, but clean cut. Easy to read.

That's two, but I don't care! *eyeshift*