Lets review the definition of 'plagiarize' as given by Merriam-Webster dictionary:
Main Entry: pla·gia·rize
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -rized; -riz·ing
Etymology: plagiary
Date: 1716
transitive senses : to steal and pass off (the ideas or
words of another) as one's own : use (another's
production) without crediting the source
intransitive senses : to commit literary theft : present
as new and original an idea or product derived from
an existing source
- pla·gia·riz·er noun

Given the above definition I don't think this occurred. EQF did credit a 'news group poster' and therefore was not saying that he had said it himself. Also, anyone posting to such a newsgroup should understand there words are public record at that point and can be duplicated elsewhere. They are on millions of servers already around the world. And - anyone can easily go to the newsgroup mentioned and find the original works. That's all that's required when siting works (the authors name does help) - but we, the reader, do know how to locate the original reference.

On the other hand - I've seen many posts to this site that have been plagairized with no sources given, even as vague as a newsgroup poster. I am a firm believer in siting sources of all materials be they private or public agencies or authors.

Canie