Hi:

I set up CompizConfig to display a different wallpaper for each workspace in Ubuntu 14.04.3 so there would be a little context for different projects, which works just fine.

What I've noticed, however, is that none of the desktop file icons show up there, although they are in fact present in Nautilus. This isn't a big loss, as I generally like an empty desktop, but when I'm downloading some scattered things to review that I'm not sure I want o find a permanent home for, I used to just stick them on the desktop temporarily - thus providing a "nag" factor reminding me to handle them.

My question is: did I miss some setting or another that would permit these to be displayed, or is that just not possible?

I tried the CompizConfig forum, but the last posting there seems to be several years old, so I thought I'd have better luck here. Thanks much for any advice ...

Geez I'm somewhat hesitant to do this because it can be the worst kind of response when someone simply wants to fix a part to suggest switching the whole but as you see Compiz is presently approaching abandonware and there is a highly active and extremely well done alternative, KWin. Don't freak just yet LOL. It really doesn't take much backup stuff (dependencies etc.) to get just a lean KWin and not much else in any distro for any DE. The Big Plus is how effective, extensive and bug free KWin is. Major advantage is you can get an idea if you would like it without any commitment whatsoever. While the guy hosting the video I will link is a bit of a character he is also informative and thorough so maybe take a look

H E R E

+1 for Kwin.
I switched to it from compiz a year or so ago and it works great with my xfce setup.