as the original code has been posted in a public forum on a voluntary basis and thus almost "public domain"
No almost to it.. It IS public domain.
If someone has some "super secret" code they do not want anyone else to use then they should not be posting it.

BUT...
If you use any of the drabble I post and you make a million on it a six pack of Mountain Dew coming my way would be nice.

And...
Along the line of what Keith said.
What comes around goes around. If you do not help someone here help someone some place. That is how you pay back.