I help when I can and I do it when I think I have a reasonable idea- for me, motivation is two fold- I learn as much reading help threads as I contribute and I am trying to pay back some of the help i have received over they years. I am probably not as forum savvy in terms of feedback and up voting etc as I don't look at that stuff for the most part- but I hope I at least do what my Mom always said- and say thank you.
That's payment enough- if a beer shows up some day... that's down right friendly.