I don't really want to drag this out any further, but I think there's at least a glimmer of hope for a teachable moment.
Infringing copyright may be a victimless crime in many cases, but it still exposes you, your family, and your employer to legal liability and the potential for unintended consequences (like losing your job) even though the copyright owner chooses not to get involved. Fair use is an affirmative defense, which means the it must be raised by the defendant. If it is not raised as a defense, it doesn't apply. Simple as that.
The
Swamp Guidelines state:
7. POSTING CODE YOU DIDN'T AUTHOR
Core guidelines:
Attribution - If you didn't author it identify the author.
Permission - If the the author is not a member of the swamp, get permission from the author before posting.
Linking - If possible post a link to the original solution rather than static source code. This ensures the latest version of the solution is made available to those viewing your post.
Diligence - In your post identify what steps you took to attempt to fulfill the above.
I think this states very well how it is your responsibility to a) determine that what you're posting is not infringing, AND b) convince your audience that it is not infringing. I called bhull's post out because neither was done. As Kerry has suggested, a simple email to Autodesk may have been all it took to get permission. Alternatively, "I don't have permission but believe this is a fair use because..." would be another possible approach.
But there is another issue here that is more important.
A community like this remains vibrant and useful only if members police themselves, trust each other, and hold each other accountable, and it behooves all of us to do our part in that respect. Bhull, you can sulk, you can be angry at me, you can start a petition drive to have me banned, but in the end it is *your* character that is being tested here. Faux humility won't work, but sucking it up and taking genuine responsibility for your actions will show your good character and earn you respect in the community. You have a great opportunity here, but you must choose to take advantage of it, and your actions must be genuine.
P.S. I'll admit to being purposely provocative with my "no apologies necessary" reply, but it had the desired effect.
