I've buugh a guy a Steam game since he didn't have paypal as a way of appreciation for helping out with a couple things once. I guess there's also amazon credits and stuff like that.
If I commission them, I pay them. If they want to do a skill trade, I'd be up for that.
A Close Shave:
*Last Thing Done (Aug 17): Finished coding emotions and camera for 4/10 main labels.
*Currently Doing: Coding of emotions and camera for the labels--On 5/10
*First Next thing to do: Code in all CG and special animation stuff
*Next Next thing to do: Set up film animation
*Other Thing to Do: Do SFX and Score (maybe think about eye blinks?)
I generally pay if it's a commission and credit as they ask. One guy asked me simply to make sure the link to his web comic was in the credits with his name.
I also make sure I pimp their name/work when I talk about project, which goes a long ways in itself.
It's very simple, people do everything for money...
there is 3 ways people get "paid" for their work:
1- Money
2- Something or some service that they had to pay for it (or spend their time "is money" on it) otherwise = (saving) Money
3- Credit = Fame. and I always say: fame is fortune = Money
so all you have to ask is: what kind of money are you interested in?