I'm catching up on this thread with a thank you -- I too was confused as to whether we were The National Gardening Association or the National Gardening Association (without "the" in the official name).
I also wanted to do one more "chime in" with regard to our side discussion on permissions and quotations, about whether or not you need to ask permission to use an idea or post a quotation (regardless of whether or not you do the right thing by attributing it).
My non-legal understanding is that if you are quoting from a published work -- a book, an article, a podcast -- you would simply attribute it to the source (the person's name, the name of the book, title of the article, source of the podcast, date if known, etc... and with online sources a link is nice).
If you are quoting from a less "formal" source, like a post on a thread or a response to an online article, then it's probably a good idea to get permission to use the material. I'd especially pay attention to permissions if you are putting it into an article or other type of publication, especially if you are getting paid in any way for it... if you are re-posting the information in another website, that's a more "grey" area, and I don't think many people would object to being quoted unasked.
In academics, you can use "pers. comm." (personal communication) to attribute information that you've had directly from somebody else, through a spoken or e-mailed conversation. There's often an assumption of privacy in email or tree-mails, so I do ask before reposting information. A simple "can I share this with the iris group?" is all it takes.
I always always get permission before using photos in articles (whether paid for in $'s or in acorns). Even when a photo is licensed under Creative Commons with no requirement to credit the photographer -- if that information is known, I include it. I've given several talks, and even if I am speaking to a kindergarten class, there are names under images on my powerpoint slides... the kids notice!
Usually, just taking a moment to consider will tell you what's needed. When in doubt, take the high road -- give credit and ask permission.
