2. ... dxc4 3. != Qa4

a question. those of you who dont bring the queen out when dxc4. aren't you afraid they will advance the pawn and move your pawns where you don't want them to go? like isolated a pawn and the fianchetto'd bishop losing its overhead shield

So you're saying 1Nf3 d5 2c4 dxc4, and something like 3Na3 c3?  Not a big worry.

why not? isn't a forcing move better than something that's slightly not as good? why do Na3 or e3?

 Patzer sees a check, patzer makes a check.  Forcing moves are good as long as they force your opponent into something undesirable.  In this case, you move your queen twice and she's still not settled on a good square, while black has developed a piece (probably a knight to a good square) to block the check.  Not to say Qa4 is bad, but regardless of which way you go, I don't see c4-c3 as a threat.

ok that sounds reasonable

when i first started playing the Reti, i always followed blacks pawn take with the Qa5+, but my game was not evolving.  The problem is as dodgecharger was alluding to, the extra moves of the queen, especially this early does not help development.

1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Na3 c3 - Three moves into the game White has developed two pieces while Black has moved one pawn three times and is about to give up said pawn without having accomplished much.
Not sure where to go from here but I think I might try to continue developing with 4.g3 and what is Black going to do that can cause White trouble?

Or maybe 4.d3 cxb2 5.Bxb2 White is down a pawn but way ahead in development with two half-open files for Queen and Rooks to mount an assault while Black is just getting started.

Or 3.Na3 c3 4.e3 cxd2+ 5.Bxd2 and I don't see that White's pawns are awkwardly placed.

I have just now posted the 3.Qa4+ line from the book by Osnos. I discovered I had prepared this some time ago and I don't remember why I didn't post it earlier. So if you find any mistakes please let me know.

http://www.chess.com/groups/forumview/1nf3-d5-2c4-dxc4-3qa4-osnos

is it bad for white to play bxc3?