What's the best way to find a reliable programmer?

I either find open source projects that are already completed, or I program it out myself. If you are looking for a reliable programmer you are going to be paying a lot of money and probably be put on a long waiting list. I’m a freelancer and I am currently backed up for like two months on projects. The good programmers never have a loss for work.

But, to get back to the question, a web based questionnaire sounds like something that has already been made and unless he really wants to just put his own logo and things on it I don’t see the point in making another.

I would suggest taking a look at the 37signals Job Board and/or the Authentic Jobs job board.

Ask your few local resources to recommend other people.

It’s very easy to look better than you are on freelance websites, and a lot of good programmers ignore them completely because there’s so much noise. (“Implement a complete copy of Google Mail, in two weeks, with a budget of $200.”)

But asking for referrals is a good way of finding good people.

I’m another proponent for programming it out yourself. Give us a little more info. I bet some of us on here could do it. What type of database is it? Would someone be doing programming on the front end as well? If it’s a web based questionnaire, it’s probably written in PHP. Can you verify?

Is this a project you are just starting or is it more of ‘maintenance’ programming? Typically what I’ll do is find something that’s kinda like what I want and start altering.

I usually recommend people check out local groups dedicated to whatever they’re looking for. If you need a web designer/developer I’ve been a round a couple of the cities with Refresh groups and I’ve always been impressed with the people there.

They’ll usually have a forum or mailing list you can drop a request to and at least for the ones I’ve had experience with, there’s several freelancers in the groups.

There’s usually specialty groups in most cities as well, like a PHP group if your tag is correct, they may be able to help in the same way. Also, I’ve pulled work off craigslist before, so you might drop something quick up there. Just be prepared for a wide array of skill levels and experience.

After all that, I’ll second what cwilbur said though, if you can get an actual recommendation that’s the best way to go. Even if it’s a friend of a friend of a friend.

Thanks guys, I hadn’t seen those sites before. My problem is that I know just enough to talk about it and not enough to actually do it. Guess I have a goal to set for the new year now.

This project is sort of an upgrade. They have an existing system and need to expand it so that they can allow other people to act as “local” admins. I just heard back from someone who may be able to help out.

When are dev team are all booked up I tried developers from freelance sites and had mixed results – some have been awful. But when I’ve found a good one I’ve held on to them. Meaning I always go straight to them for future work rather than risk the freelance jobsites. If you can pass them regular work and pay promptly they will often be keen to work with you in future and so willing to offer better rates or priority to your projects. Let me know if you need a contact still and I can refer you.