The thing is, the "Michael Jordans" of software development existing isn't really all that valuable for the people looking for them. What would start.up.ly do

The thing is, the "Michael Jordans" of software development existing isn't really all that valuable for the people looking for them. What would start.up.ly do with John Carmack? Most of the companies that start up aren't trying to solve the kind of problems that need this fabled head down super-star coder to solve. What they really need is someone who can get the big picture of their business space, and know what to do to accelerate that business through software. The type of person they really need, and that are really valuable in software are the people that know what not to code, and how to get what needs to be done done, in a sustainable way. Startups don't need the guy who swivels his chair around, taps his fingers together, and does the magic they want. They require the guy who can stand there with them, help them figure out what they can do with what they've got, and what they need to get to do more, if they need to do more. What they should be looking for are 10X EMPLOYEES, who have above average development chops. Then pay them appropriately. Not 10X, that's not sustainable, but value more than just the amount of code someone can write, value the overall gain someone brings to your product, and be willing to pay for it, and you'll do better than wasting time and money looking for Carmack to come help with your iOS app.