This is exactly right. Good programmers can for the most part take their pick of job offers. The key part here is in order to motivate a good programmer to work

This is exactly right. Good programmers can for the most part take their pick of job offers. The key part here is in order to motivate a good programmer to work for you you have to offer competitive pay and a competitive environment. The reality is that they can probably quit working for you and get a raise to boot if they feel unhappy.