[tim333]

Here's a potential sort of loop hole. Set up a software development business back in your home country (or another country, non US). It doesn't have to be much - maybe a bank account and a couple of your developer friends as would be contractors for it.

Then in the US you can legitimately use your "Business Visitor Visas (B-1) - ... to consult with business associates, ... or negotiate a contract"

http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/VisaFlyer_March_20...

So you can chat to startups and offer to get stuff written for them by your company abroad. They can legally pay your company and your company can pay you a salary while traveling.

I think all the above is legal. Not really legal but very hard to catch is you could actually write some of the code yourself in your room or a cafe in California if the friends back home don't do it. If immigration get on to you it would be hard to prove you are working rather than just mucking about on the laptop. On the other hand if you are in a work situation in an office then they will assume you are working illegally.

The above has an advantage that if you do well it may actually turn into a real business.