Ribit,
I don't think Bob will have a problem. Fair use is more flexible than thought, it seems. Most often, violations are when the content is used for profit, which is clearly not the case here.
Here it's used for discussion and keeping people up to speed in interest areas. The courts did rule a against a corporation whose workgroup copied copyrighted material, although I don't recall the details.
Also, when it's common practice, across discussion lists in this case, the law typically assumes it is a practice that is sanctioned and does not discriminate against one user.
I think real violations are more in line with posting material from subscription services or sources that take great pains to suggest you should not post their stuff. I guess two such ones are the ones Bob mentioned.
Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney, anything I say should be checked with one!