I thought some people here might be interested:
http://www.topcoder.com/Inc. Magazine reviewIn some contests, TopCoder asks hackers to solve a tricky math problem or algorithm, just for the sport of it. In others, TopCoder clients with a software problem pony up prize money, and TopCoder challenges its global network of computer nerds to come up with a solution. The winner gets the cash--which can total tens of thousands of dollars--as well as star treatment on the company's website, which includes baseball-card-like photos and stats on top performers.
Interesting for recruiters as well:
TopCoder gets a cut of each contest's prize money. But that's only part of it. Because each programmer must register before competing, the company has been able to develop a database of the world's most talented techies. Some of the smartest have turned out to be students or twentysomethings in places such as Taiwan, India, and Belarus--the kinds of people who never respond to formal job postings and as a result go unnoticed by businesses looking for brainpower.
Since DC has some very talented, unconventional coders, TopCoder may be appealing to them.
