Oh I love responding to recruiters who have no idea how to approach a programmer. For really vague/template type emails I email the CEO of the company to give

Oh I love responding to recruiters who have no idea how to approach a programmer. For really vague/template type emails I email the CEO of the company to give them feedback about their recruiters. Generally, they appreciate it. For competent recruiters, I tell them to have the founder(s), ceo, or whoever is hiring to call me directly at XXX-XXX-XXXX. I like to cut directly to the chase. That being said you should totally respond to interesting companies, see what they're working on, and then decline politely.