Hey Tomp - I wrote that post. I cited the author, linked extensively, and gave credit in multiple places. If there had been a contact on his HN bio, I would have reached out that way as well.
You're preaching to the choir - I wish all IP law was either abolished or changed significantly so that it actually promoted innovation.
However, that's completely besides the point. That's not how copyright works, what you did is most likely illegal, and the organization you represent would most likely not condone such behavior if the tables were turned.
As long as it's treated as a block quote, it's a legal gray area. There's a concept called Fair Use in America that may often cover cases like this. It's possible the UK laws are more strict in this regard.
