You can ask, but some won't tell and a lot will. There are a lot of good ideas in the library already. I say, post what you have and some will share what they have. I'm always looking for new ways to learn myself.
As Rob said, some won't tell.
The Following Paragraph was EDITED for Correction:
IN MAKING A COPY: One person used to write the following in his sig line: "Under no circumstances are any of the pictures that I upload to any forum to be copied and re published in anyway without my consent." (This is quite different from what I originally wrote but after finding the correct quote, I needed to make the changes.)
No one can stop you from "copying" in making a blank, but as for posting a picture of the copy, that 'might' run into legal disputes.
It is always polite to ask - if it is a copy. It is also polite to give credit to where the idea comes from if you take an idea and change it. That is how many of the ideas come up.
IN CREATING A COMPLEX BLANK: Again, some people will not tell you how and some will give you a detailed description. The most famous "will not tell you" person was a fellow called Eagle. Although controversial to some, he would not tell his methods at all, and even get angry at those who requested step by step instructions.
But he did not mind someone copying his creations one bit - provided they gave credit where credit was due. His anger was at people who would not try to think through a process. His motives were pure (IMO). He thought that people need to think through the process and DISCOVER. Discover and creativity go hand in hand. "Step by step" kills discovery, creativity, initiative and true learning.
Although I agree with him in his philosophy, I haven't created anything so complicated that others can't figure out. :wink:
BACK to your question: It doesn't hurt to ask, just be prepared for an occasional rejection. Some people feel that imitation is the best form of flattery. It does help to get permission and builds trust when you do it.