[gokulk]

I use backbone.js, underscore.js etc.. heavily in my work. I primarily code in front end but I have only a year of mainstream experience. Where does that place me in this stack. I think this is the misconception recruiters are not picking me for junior/mid level positions and I get calls for senior level positions and then they drop me cause of less experience. backbone.js ! = more experience

[medinismo]

The tech stack and level of seniority comparison reflect correlation not causality.

To your point, I think you experience is relevant whether is mainstream or not. You are pointing to a problem with mainstream recruiters, ie that they only consider "mainstream" work as useful experience - whereas in the freelance market all experience is relevant and affects your rate. hope this helps.