Short Term Placement

I am again seeking a short term placement to extend my knowledge further. With opportunities limited due to the current financial climate, I am struggling to find anything that will help build my existing portfolio. The search will go on until 2009, and am hoping that I will get that chance to show my worth. However, again I am finding that companies are not very proactive in responding to my initial proactivity. I personally do not think it is too difficult to just say "no" or "not at the moment, but give us a ring in a few months". Manners cost nothing, and that is all I am wanting. Or am I expecting too much?