We all know that devs are in high demand and usually the best have FT jobs at the top companies or they're trying to start something on their own. Companies don't have the talent/time, devs don't have time or don't want to commit significant time.
I've been doing some market research, and found that devs always have an interesting side project or try to attend hackathons to solve problems during the weekend.
Why not get paid handsomely for it? Like $7k-$10k in a weekend. Just to give a rough format of the weekend:
Qualified devs give availability for weekends they want to hack and more importantly, screen out undesirables, (PHB, egotistical devs, etc.) you're here to have fun and get paid.
Popup dev shop finds clients that want to test an idea or rapidly prototype something along with a significant deposit to show that they're serious + fee to cover weekend running costs. Projects get selected based on interest from the pool of hackers + availability.
Friday - Sunday: hack with all amenities provided, food, beds, shower, etc.
Monday: Present to the client the product. If they like it, we get paid, if not, something to put in your portfolio and meet fellow qualified hackers.
Mutual understanding from the client and hackers that there is no obligation to continue working on the hack after the weekend is over, but at least they have a working prototype which they can buy.
Rinse and repeat. The popup dev shop.
Thoughts?