If we didn't want anyone else to make the cakes, we wouldn't post them.
I do NOT expect anyone to ask permission ... ever. I don't even lose sleep worrying about if someone gives credit or not. Yes, it's nice, and yes, it's a courteous thing to do, but I'm not going to get my knickers in a knot worrying about it.
The fact that someone wants to try to duplicate it is a very high honor.
I must agree with Debi. I would NEVER expect someone to ask permission to copy a cake of mine. I have on the other hand asked others if they mind if I copy their cake. I also wouldn't get upset if someone didn't credit my cake either. But I always try to credit people if my cake was inspired by their cake. Sometimes I'll find a cake online somewhere, sketch something out, forget to write down the person's name and then not be able to find the pic again to give proper credit. It's not intentional, but I would hope the person would find it flattering if they came across and wasn't thanked by name. I know I would be, but find pleasure in the most simple things in life to begin with.
In fact, my "Frank and the Mummy" cake was a replica of a cake in the Cake Contest going on here. I liked it so much and thought it would be perfect for my DD's halloween party. Mine isn't exactly the same, but the idea came from here. And since no names are associated with the pictures in the contest, I just said thanks to whomever provide me with the idea to make my cake.
I believe the whole idea of this site is to share with others. I'm flattered when someone asks directions for my designs and consider it a multiplication of my art if more than one group of people see it. We are extremely lucky to have this resource available to us. Some people are sensitive about being credited for their work and I can understand that as we can spend several days or weeks on a cake. It's nice to recognised but if not - oh, well!
Tammy
OMG, it makes my day when someone asks me anything about one of my cakes. When I get comments or a new favorite, I'm giddy for hours! IF someone actually copied one of my cakes, I'd probably have a heart attack. People who would be offended need to lighten up or quit posting their pics (and that's anywhere online, not just here...because it's easy enough to get to their websites). 
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