Ask HN: Why is it so hard finding a Freelancer?

As a non programmer or a non billionaire, it seems like it is extremely difficult for average joes to try to get their idea built without resorting to the race to the bottom sites. ie: elance. Why does it have to be this difficult? I can't imagine that developers are so busy that when I'm saying "TAKE MY MONEY", no one wants it (despite saying they are looking for work). I've tried emailing the full idea with a detailed list of what I want vs emailing a quick summarized note and the results are the same. No response.

Am I missing something? Is there some sort of secret code I'm not using?

edit: Wow, thank you guys. I'm getting a crazy amount of information and can already see a few things I had been doing wrong.

2) The project is really interesting for me.

3) Someone I know has referred me, and I have checked with referral that the person is worth to work with.

Based on my experience with vworker and odesk, in both of which I have been in both sides (customer and contractor)- there are good freelancers out there- finding them is tough though.

I would suggest choosing top 3 contestants and giving a days worth of work to all of them- then continue to work with best performer.

In terms of your question, it could be a couple of reasons: 1) Either the price you are quoting is too high 2) You are asking for a long term commitment with little financial returns 3) You are asking for development, using technologies that are either a) outdated, b) The developer is unfamiliar with.

Any ways, if you are still looking for some one, you can find my email and github account in my profile. Shoot me a message if you are interested.