Unfortunately untrue...
Good ideas here, and while I think we all agree that design is moving into new territories, I would have to disagree with some of your statements.
While it may be perceived by the few that "design" is becoming very general and similar, I think that if you take a few moments to review some of the sites that have been submitted for review, you'll see that there is a long way for many to go in the "design" category.
With that said, I think that actual web design will become a more specialized art form, versus going the way of "scoffed at". The issue here is that there is so much to be done with a site that design is many times lost. Take the example you mentioned of newspapers. While many "look" the same. Just a few months back one of the regional newspapers near me did a complete overhaul of their design, and I would have to say for the better.
Also, different designs work for different environments. Take a look at USA Today beside The Wallstreet Journal, and I think you'll see my point.
This post was designed to help newcomers learn what is most important in how to design their site, not be a catalyst of what design will look like 20 years.
I think your statement regarding the "design" going unnoticed is somewhat true, however, I'd hate for a well written book to go unnoticed because we all chose to use the same covers instead of adding the flare that is necessary.
Design isn't going anywhere, it's just evolving and I think that the only reason that web designers are getting "scoffed at" as you say is because many are not achieving even the basic ideas listed in this original post.
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