dry fly box

have always kept my dry flies in a ripple-type box (i am an infrequent fly fisherman, at best) but read recently that they should be kept in a compartmentalized box.  is this true or does it matter? 

There is no problem keeping your drys in a ripple box as long as the hackles are not getting smashed down. You can revive the hackle back to it's original state, however it tests ones state of mind to find yourself streamside to open your box and find them smashed and not floating properly.
 
There are many types of boxes on the market and as long as the flies keep there original form and the box meets your functuality needs...go for it.

http://www.cliffoutdoors.com/products.php

I don't have one personally (will before spring)
but have fished with other that have them, and have seen them perform

Tea kettle works best...place the fly in hemos, tweezers or pliers and hold over the steam.

Your welcome!

The people who sell me my flies like the open compartments.  Cause when I shake I usually lose some.  There is a company that makes a deep box with raised ribs just for dries but for the life of me I can't remember who.  I have one box that has the springs in it and another with the high raised foam.  If you get to the stream and find a hackle smashed down try getting little water on the hackle and then blowing it dry from the back to the front.  The hackle will stand up quite well.