I definitely prefer Linkedin over Facebook. The multi-stage approach could work. When a developer creates a nice profile it will probably get interest from peo

I definitely prefer Linkedin over Facebook. The multi-stage approach could work. When a developer creates a nice profile it will probably get interest from people seeking freelancers. You can then entice developers to add social identities with something like "123 people were interested in your profile. Verify your identity and contact them today!". I forget how eLance does the identity verification. iirc it was on the thorough side. Perhaps more work than you want to invest now but perhaps worth it later.