[nthj]

> unless it's obvious you're just reading an article or something.

Generally agree with you, although just because I'm reading an article doesn't mean it's a good time to ask me a question. Right now, my brain is working on a weird problem while my tests run and I browse HN. I look like I'm goofing off, but I still wouldn't appreciate a context switch to another problem.

The polite question if you must interrupt a programmer is “Would now be a good time for a context switch?”

[pitt1980]

I find it interesting that open offices are too distracting

what would be the reaction if the internet was cut off because that was too distracting?