Where have all the contractors gone?
Does it seem like there is a shortage of programming contractors in the USA? My telephone will not stop ringing with companies asking me to do project work for them. My specialty is OSCommerce shopping cart modification and office automation. I primarily use LAMP ( Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP ) technologies to accomplish the goal. Occasionally, I hire other contractors to assist me with projects. Sourcing competent individuals or even companies has been next to impossible.
Recently, my friend Greg who lives in Taipei, Taiwan, recommended that I look to Eastern Block programmers. He has been using one guy for a year who charges $15/hr. Sadly this guy is not quite competent and much of the code production needs to be optimized for efficiency and OO reusage.
Any suggestions? Any LAMP freelancers in the USA, preferably in AZ that will deliver a good product on schedule?