I feel anxious when anyone can see my screen. I should be able to visit HN without feeling guilty as long as I'm getting my work done, but when I'm facing a wall, it's almost paralyzing.

There's a reason common convention swag for years included a fish eye mirror with a notch on the back to fit over the corner of your monitor.

I used to do this because I'd do personal stuff at work. recently i changed jobs where i face outward towards a wall instead of towards others. I work 100% during work hours on my work computer, though I frequently check social media/news on my personal cell phone -- especially while waiting for things like compilation or deployment :) so i guess I solved that problem by only using my handheld devices for stuff I'd rather not have anyone see. all in all its kind of nice, it raises the barrier to coming to distract me if my back is turned to you and my headphones are on. I thought i'd hate it but i wound up liking it just fine

Well, technically I'm facing 8th floor windows, but my blind is down. Others are partially open though so I can glance to the side and see the outdoors, which is nice. So it's not quite as bad as facing a wall, but it is true that anyone can walk up behind me unnoticed. Because it's a standing desk (though I use a high chair) that somehow doesn't seem as bad because they can't loom over you.

I thought I was the only one! It seems to be some primal fear that while I'm concentrating on something, someone will pounce me. So it discourages me from focusing too deeply into a problem.

It's a mindcrime (just kidding)

> a) my desk faces the wall, for fewer visual distractions

Might as well sit in a box then. :)

Or this wool bubble from Ligne-Roset http://www.ligne-roset-manchester.co.uk/range/img_homeoffice...

Is it suppose to be sarcastic? You have a window in front of you but you are blocking it by this monstrosity. LOL

No way this is real marketing image.