Want to know what Web 2.0 offices look like or what millions of funding can buy?

OK, I'm jealous. That place is a million times better than the beige hell I put up with 40 hours/week.

As much as I want to work for myself (and I am working on that), if I had to work for someone else and I had to go to their place to do it, that place seems pretty sweet.

Although, I'm sure you get used to it the longer you work there. Regardless of how nice the place looks, if the work is boring/crappy, you'll still hate going there and doing it.

That's not to say that workplace surroundings aren't meaningful; they most definitely are. If the work is fun and interesting, good working environments (they don't have to be as lavish as IAC) make it more fun and interesting.

I love the first picture, with the glittering crystal tower behind razor-wire fence, under ominous sky...

Damn, now where'd I put those mirrorshades...

The place looks quite nice inside. I would imagine most places with millions of funding can't work at such a nice location.

I have one customer whose facility is so bad, even the cochroaches eat outside. I dial in as much as possible because I don't feel like doing ANYTHING while I'm there.

Good hackers should be able to work anywhere, but there sure is something so be said for nice digs.

Joel is pretty big on good space:

http://www.fogcreek.com/About.html