Are long excerpts a copyright problem?

[Felicity]

I just ran across a fairly sizable excerpt of a book (760 words long) posted to a user's profile via the 'writing' function. She cites the title and author, but this is the first time I have come across something like this and I am concerned over the copyright implications.

Am I right that this length of excerpt (as opposed to a paragraph-long entry in Quotes) is an infringement?

If it is, indeed, a problem, I am unsure how to proceed, as there isn't a 'flag' tool for the 'writing' section.

[Cait]

I am not a lawyer, but: fair use depends on a lot of things other than the length of quotation. Why is the user quoting this much of the book? Is this just an extended quote, or is it part of some larger project?

[rivka, Former Librarian Moderator]

Why is someone else's work in the writing section at all?

I suggest using the contact link. This needs a GR admin.

[Felicity]

Cait: The excerpt isn't embedded in anything else (like a critical work or anything).

rivka: I guess I'll do as you suggest. I'm really not a copyright expert, so it's probably best turned over to GR.