>That's ridiculous. When hiring I am looking for someone who has at least the minimum skills required to fill the position. I am looking for someone that 'plays well with others', has energy and the desire to benifit himself as well as my company.
guy is the right guy, but you cannot offer what he expects, that means you can not afford him. If he’s not the right guy, what’s the point to talk about salary?


Exatcly George!
If the candidate meets your requirements, make the offer. Of coourse you have to be fairly conversant with the current market.
If your offer is not sufficient, perhaps based on the desirability of the particular candidate, you can negotiate a mutual agreement that will not jeapordize his future growth. On the other hand, if you cannot convince yourself that the candidate will be worth more than you had considered adequate for the position you offer, best shake hands and wish each other "Good Luck."

By the way, one fairly decent way to keep the market informed is to complete the InfoWorld annual salary survey (and try to tell the truth)
We already know there is a disparaty in wages across the country, and even within my own State of Texas. But there are other considerations too, such as overall cost of living, other amenities, etc. Salaries look good in Mass, but this Texan would not live that far north for double, PLUS Per Diem. <g>
so just plain dollars is not always the complete solution, is it?