Don't play their game. If you are a great dev, ask for what you are worth (100-150 an hour). Or get solid equity. Or start your own company.
Don't be fooled by cheap gimmicks. You can buy your own Dr Pepper.
Don't be fooled by cheap gimmicks. You can buy your own Dr Pepper.
You don't have to be a great dev to be worth north of $150 an hour. Step 1: get inserted into the part of the company that makes money. Step 2: adjust any knob available such that they make more money. Step 3: get in the habit of citing Step 2 when you aggressively negotiate salary.
If you feel you are underpaid, then apply for one of those positions on USV's portfolio jobs page. All of their NYC companies are awesome.