How do you quote something on a website such as fluther from a copywritten book legally?

Post the source.

One assumes that you are not quoting a really lengthy section (pages and pages), so the doctrine of fair use would apply, because you are quoting so that you and others can comment on it which is one of the acceptable categories of fair use. Use quotation marks and reference the source as tinyfaery said.

Here is an excerpt from the copyright office just so you have it for reference:

“Section 107 contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered “fair,” such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Section 107 also sets out four factors to be considered in determining whether or not a particular use is fair:

1.

the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
2.

the nature of the copyrighted work;
3.

amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
4. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.”

If it is public domain, use quotation marks. “To Be or Not To Be,” (Hamlet, Act X, Scene X, the Bard.) Is that the question?

Thanks people. I think I can feel safe about asking my question and quoting from the book I read and not feel like I infringed on someone elses rights.. Thanks.

So, ask. We’re eagerly waiting.

This dangid website said I can’t ask any more questions until tomorrow. It is going to be a good one so I want to make it an actual question instead of post it in this question. Look for it tomorrow. Thanks.

What are the daily limits? In the recent past it seemed as tho some people asked questions every five minutes. (And were so busy thinking up new ones as to ignore the answers to earlier queries.)

I was cut off at 3 yesterday.

I think I only got 2 or 3 in today. My first time :)
I think it is OK, because now I am spending some time answering other peoples questions. It is all good.

Better a few priceless pearls than a string of cheap beads, I always say.