I think it has something to do with the question you're posing in your second email. Are you asking them to commit time or resources without compensation? What is your question?
I am asking for direction on finding a front end developer to add to my team. I offer equity but cannot offer compensation at this time. Do you think I should approach this differently and present it as a job opening or contract to hire type of position? We can pay (not a lot) but we were taking the approach that we wanted to add a founding member to the team. We just need someone to build a user interface without bankrupting us. Suggestions on this? Thanks for reply by the way.
Having done quite a bit of freelancing, I can tell you that the offer of equity is not very enticing. Regardless of how brilliant any idea might sound on paper, when it comes to execution, start-ups generally take a long long time before (if at all) that promised equity is realized.
If you are looking to add a founding member in return for equity, you are better off having that conversation face to face.