[atomicnumber3]

They seem to be interested in short-form programming puzzles, I don't really see how your comment applies to that.

[xcambar]

Open source projects and hacker spaces offer just so much more than short-term projects.

I expect you to tell me you're well versed in both, but don't expect me to believe you.

[vlunkr]

I don't know why you've decide to compare these things and get immediately hostile about it.

[legerdemain]

Eh, not a lot of hacker spaces here in Silicon Valley. Don't know about the state of affairs in OP's location.