I can confirm this. I also had this problem in Breezy. The solution was to put sample files in a folder (I forget what it's called) in your home directory.
I think there should be default templates installed based on apps installed by default, like OOo apps, text documents, pictures, etc. ** Changed in: Ubuntu Sourcepackagename: None => gnome-desktop Severity: Normal => Major Status: Unconfirmed => Confirmed -- Templates for New Document in nautilus aren't used https://launchpad.net/bugs/45574 -- desktop-bugs mailing list desktop-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/desktop-bugs