Elsmar.com Forum TOS and General Rules
Revision Date: Monday 13 July 2009

Registration in the Elsmar.com Quality Assurance and Business Systems Forums is FREE! HOWEVER - I do insist that you abide by the TOS (Terms Of Services), rules and policies detailed herein.

1. PURPOSE

a. The Elsmar.com Quality Assurance and Business Systems Forums (the Forums) is an actively moderated forum focusing on Quality Assurance, Standards and Business Systems topics. People from ALL countries are welcome. The Elsmar Cove Forums are here for all peoples of the world. The free exchange of information between people from all over the world has made the Elsmar Cove Forums the first stop for Quality Assurance and Business Systems information on the internet since January 1996.

b. The Elsmar Cove Forums 'Bulletin Board' is privately owned and operated without any government or other interested party (external) 'behind the scenes' support - financial or otherwise - other than visible standard advertising. As such, I am 'independent' and depend upon your support. I'm just a fella interested in 'quality' issues - not a big corporation.

2. MODERATION of CONTENT

a. The Forums are moderated by a team of volunteers. Although the administrators and moderators of the Forums will attempt to keep all objectionable discussion thread posts, copyrighted material or other objectionable materials and files off of this forum, it is impossible for us to review every individual discussion thread, post and attachment.

b. All discussion thread posts express the views of the post author. The Elsmar.com website owner (Marc Timothy Smith), and the Moderators and Administrators will NOT be held responsible for the content of any message, post or file attachment.

c. All actions Forum Moderators make are the responsibility of Marc Timothy Smith. Forum Moderators are acting as individuals donating their time and help, and as such Marc Timothy Smith takes full responsibility for their actions.

d. Marc Timothy Smith reserves the right to remove, edit, move or close any discussion thread or file attachment for any reason without explanation.

3. POSTS by VENDORS (SUPPLIERS) and CONSULTANTS - COMMERCIAL POSTS

a. Spamming the forums with advertisements is not allowed. If you are registering to sell electronic/electric or other commercial items, your post(s) will be deleted within minutes and you will be banned from the forum.

b. If you are in any way, financially or other wise, 'related' to a product or company under discussion, it is required that you state your relationship. Feel free to respond to questions but let us know if you are 'related'. HOWEVER - We want content in the forums, not just a referral to your web site or products or services. If you want to post an outright advertisement, have a product to sell, a demo or whatever, please call or e-mail Marc Smith to discuss. Advertising Information (http://elsmar.com/advertising.html).

c. Products or services you may be associated with, along with a link to your company's web site, can be detailed in your User Profile. As you interact with the community, folks will naturally look at the profile and see your information. If there's something specific you think your product or service can help with, please give a detailed explanation and then refer people to your profile for information. Please help in the post rather than to just say you have a product which will 'cure all'... A simple statement that your product will solve someone's problem is not sufficient. Your web site url, telephone number, company name and your product can be put in your Profile (http://elsmar.com/Forums/profile.php?do=editprofile). They are not allowed in posts you make. **If you post a simple "My product will help you" type of post, expect the post to be deleted or heavily edited.

d. You are free to respond to any post about your software, service or product for purposes of clarification, to refute what you believe to be incorrect or to otherwise 'correct' what you believe to be misinformation. Just don't make your post into an overt 'advertisement', and please don't post in anger or in an insulting tone. Please use the opportunity to promote yourself through helping, rather than just 'raising a ruckus'.

And remember: If you want to help, the Elsmar Cove forum is always looking for people who will take a few minutes now and again and help answer questions people have that are within their specialty.

4. PROHIBITED USE

a. By agreeing to these rules, you warrant that you will not post any content that is racist, obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening or that violate any laws. The Forums are here to discuss compliance to standards, quality assurance and related issues - not partisan politics, sex or religion. I retain the right to delete, edit, move or close any thread for any reason.

b. The Elsmar Cove Forums owner, Marc Timothy Smith, believes everyone has a right to post their opinions and experiences as long as they are TRUE. Please - No lies and no 'spin'. If you want to 'sing the praises' of a product you use, by all means do so. If the product stinks, let us know. But, be as specific as possible. Just saying something like "...product X sucks..." tells us nothing and your post will probably be deleted.

c. There are non-professional forums available (such as the Coffee Break forum). Please use these for your general interest discussions. These Terms of Service apply there as well.

5. CONTENT and RIGHTS

a. You also agree that you understand that any posts you make, including any attachments to discussion thread posts, are made into 'The Public Domain'. Neither I, nor you, can make any claim of 'Copyright' ownership of any post or attachments herein - even your own. Posting or attaching a file to a post implies your consent to distribution from this site without restriction. These forums are open to everyone on the internet and are meant to be a resource for exchanging ideas and information - not a source of legal problems.

Site Copyright Policy

If you post in the Forums (this includes attachments to any post) you do not have a right to assert copyright claim(s) now or in the future. We don't assert that we own the rights to posted content, including files attachmented to posts, and neither can you. This is a free system and my policy is to NOT be a money grubbing type with lawyers at hand, but rather to be a free resource for folks. If the contents of your posts are 'golden' to you, I suggest you post elsewhere or write a book and sell it. If you post here, your question(s) and any and all answers to questions(s), as well as any file attachments you contribute, are in the public domain. The only exception is in the case of authors of books or articles who post them here, in full or in part, to share with the community. In these cases the copyright holder retains all copyright rights.

b. However, you may not copy any post(s) and/or download post file attachments and distribute, or use, or sell them for profit. Doing so requires the express written consent of the person who posted the post and/or file attached to the post, as well as notification of Marc (http://elsmar.com/Forums/sendmessage.php).

Also see these related copyright (http://Elsmar.com/Forums/search.php?do=process&titleonly=1&query=copyright*) policies and discussion threads.

6. REGISTRATION

a. Profile (http://elsmar.com/Forums/profile.php?do=editprofile) Information: When you register you will be required to enter "How did you find the Elsmar Cove Web Site?" and "What information are you Searching for?" There are no other *Required* Profile (http://elsmar.com/Forums/profile.php?do=editprofile) fields. Putting 'garbage' characters in Profile fields just to be putting something in is prohibited.

b. Prohibited Forum User Names - See this Policy: Forum User Name - Choosing a forum User Name (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=29640).

c. Multiple Registrations by a person under different forum user names is not allowed.

7. VISITOR FEEDBACK - FIGHTING, BICKERING, POTENTIAL COPYRIGHT ISSUES, OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS

a. If you are having a problem, or if you have a question, please Contact Marc (http://elsmar.com/Forums/sendmessage.php).

b. When you see fighting, bickering, potential copyright issues, or any other problems in a discussion thread, note that every post has a 'Report this Post' http://elsmar.com/Forums/images/buttons/report.gif button in the upper right part of the post. Please use it to report problems. PLEASE - Do not start problems in a discussion thread by trying to 'discipline' someone in a discussion thread. LET THE STAFF HANDLE PROBLEMS.

By using the 'Report this Post' http://elsmar.com/Forums/images/buttons/report.gif button, the moderators and I are notified of the Report. We will examine the post within 24 hours from receipt of the report if not sooner. If the Report is valid, the post or attachment will be removed and/or amended as required by the specific scenario.

8. ABUSE OF FORUM MESSAGING SYSTEMS - Visitor Messages, PMs (Private Messages - aka Personal Messages), etc.

Private Messaging, Visitor Messaging and other communications outside the main forum is provided to the members of the Elsmar Cove forum as a service intended to enhance the Community experience. The purpose is to allow for discreet conversations to take place between members outside of the main forums. Solicitation, spamming, vulgarity, or harassment of any kind is strictly forbidden. Any member receiving an inappropriate personal message, visitor message, etc. should Report it right away using the 'Report' http://elsmar.com/Forums/images/buttons/report.gif button in the upper right part of the PM, or the Report Link where there is no button (such as in visitor messages, photo albums, etc.).

PMs (Private Messages) - PM's are only accessible by those who send and receive them (the sender and the recipient(s)). Private Messages are not intended to deprive the Community of valuable information or experiences which could benefit the entire group. Please do not use private messages if the content of the message can be helpful to others.

As a general comment on my end, if you have any suggestions or comments about the 'TOS' don't hesitate to comment in this thread.

Darn... I forgot these.....

The Usual Legal Stuff

All auditors believe different things are relative and right. All registration firms believe different things are relative and right. This site is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. List each check separately by bank number. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Subject to CAB approval. This is not an offer to sell securities. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp. Use other side for additional listings. For recreational use only. Do not disturb. All models over 18 years of age. If condition persists, consult your physician. No user-serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate. Simulated picture. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits all. Many suitcases look alike. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may, in time, fade. We have sent the forms which seem right for you. Push down while squeezing top. For office use only. Not affiliated with the American Red Cross. Drop in any mailbox. Edited for television. Keep cool. process promptly. Post office will not deliver without postage. List was current at time of printing. Return to sender, no forwarding order on file, unable to forward. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. At participating locations only. Not the Beatles. Penalty for private use. See label for sequence. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Falling rock. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Your canceled check is your receipt. Add toner. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Be sure each item is properly endorsed. Sign here without admitting guilt. Slightly higher west of the Mississippi. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delivery. You must be present to win. No passes accepted for this engagement. No purchase necessary. Don't even think of parking here. Processed at location stamped in code at top of carton. Shading within a garment may occur. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flames. Replace with same type. Approved for veterans. Booths for two or more. Check here if tax deductible. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes. No Canadian coins. Not recommended for children. Prerecorded for this time zone. Reproduction strictly prohibited. No solicitors. No alcohol, dogs or horses. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant package, not for resale. List at least two alternate dates. First pull up, then pull down. Call toll free before digging. Driver does not carry cash. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. Record additional transactions on back of previous stub. Unix is a registered trademark of AT&T. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate. No transfers issued until the bus comes to a complete stop. Package sold by weight, not volume. Your mileage may vary. This article does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my cat/dog(s), horses or pigs. Don't quote me on that. Don't quote me on anything. All rights reserved. You may distribute this freely but you may not make a profit from it. Unless you give me some of that profit. Terms are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are slightly enlarged to show detail. Do not remove this disclaimer under penalty of law. Hand wash only, tumble dry on low heat. No substitutions allowed. For a limited time only. This article is void where prohibited, taxed, or otherwise restricted. Not sold in stores! Your results may vary! Not responsible for any consequential or inconsequential, trivial or non-trivial, or any other kind of loss or damage that may result before or after use! I never promised you a rose garden! Available only on this web site! Use yesterday for best results! 50% of all profits donated to my cat! If you are not the intended recipient of this humor, please put on a blindfold before reading! Do not use a portable telephone while swimming! I love my gal pal! Look both ways before crossing! Warning - electric toaster may get hot! This document is uncontrolled if printed on paper! All words are guaranteed to be formed using only genuine ASCII characters! Send $100 Now! Life is hazardous to your health! Sign up now for our anti-drug prevention program! Our tests show that about half of all results are above average! Remove windscreen cover before driving! Our quality policy includes the words 'six' and 'sigma'! Call in the next five minutes before something happens! Not valid with this or any other offer! Caveat emptor. Article is provided "as is" without any warranties. Reader assumes full responsibility. An equal opportunity article. No shoes, no shirt, no articles. quantities are limited while supplies last. If any defects are discovered, do not attempt to read them yourself, but return to an authorized service center. Read at your own risk. No right turn on red. Parental advisory - explicit lyrics. Text may contain explicit materials some readers may find objectionable, parental guidance is advised. Keep away from sunlight. Keep away from pets and small children. Limit one-per-family please. No money down. No purchase necessary. You need not be present to win. Some assembly required. Batteries not required. Instructions are included. Action figures sold separately. No preservatives added. Slippery when wet. Safety goggles may be required during use. Sealed for your protection, do not read if safety seal is broken. Call before you dig. Not liable for damages arising from use or misuse. For external use only. If rash, irritation, redness, or swelling develops, discontinue reading. Read only with proper ventilation. Avoid extreme temperatures and store in a cool dry place. Keep away from open flames. Avoid contact with eyes and skin and avoid inhaling fumes. Do not puncture, incinerate, or store above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not place near a flammable or magnetic source. Smoking this article could be hazardous to your health. The best safeguard, second only to abstinence, is the use of a condom. No salt, MSG, artificial color or flavoring added. If ingested, do not induce vomiting, and if symptoms persist, consult a physician. Articles are ribbed for your pleasure. Possible penalties for early withdrawal. Offer valid only at participating sites. Slightly higher west of the Rockies. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. Must be 18 to read. Disclaimer does not cover misuse, accident, lightning, flood, tornado, tsunami, volcanic eruption, earthquake, hurricanes and other Acts of God, neglect, damage from improper reading, incorrect line voltage, improper or unauthorized reading, broken antenna or marred cabinet, missing or altered serial numbers, electromagnetic radiation from nuclear blasts, sonic boom vibrations, customer adjustments that are not covered in this list, and incidents owing to an airplane crash, ship sinking or taking on water, motor vehicle crashing, dropping the item, falling rocks, leaky roof, broken glass, mud slides, forest fire, or projectile (which can include, but not be limited to, arrows, bullets, shot, BB's, shrapnel, lasers, napalm, torpedoes, or emissions of X-rays, Alpha, Beta and Gamma rays, knives, stones, etc.). For Simon Higgs... no Elvis sightings made here. Breaking this seal voids your warranty. Close cover before striking. 80,000 km or 3 years, which ever comes first. Not legal for trade. No-one can improve on the original, but here are some to masticate. No reply is considered as accepted. Soluble in water? Do not ingest. Vomiting may occur. Local exhaust ventilation required. Dispose of in accordance with local, state& federal regulations. Immediately flush eyes for 15 minutes in clear running water. Do not induce vomiting. (May occur anyway) Seek medical attention immediately. Keep sealed to prevent drying or moisture loss. Use care to avoid falls. Store upright. Contact your System Administrator (SysAdmin). Refrigerate after opening.

Other restrictions may apply.

This supersedes all previous notices.

Marc, I am of the opinion that the 'links' to the terms of service should be prominently displayed somewhere.

What about at the header block of the page - Remove 'Personal Blogs' and put in 'Terms of Service' in red?

I'll consider another link, but I'm not sure I want to put it in the header.

As a reminder, we DO have the TOS location very prominently shown. There is an entire forum which has the TOS and forum policies. It is the FIRST forum in the list for a visitor (registered and unregistered) on the forum home page. I do not think we have reached the point where we have to make it so that no one can even view the forum (as an extreme) without the TOS being shown.

I know when the mod which checked for the number of posts and would not allow someone to put in an email address or web site link was disabled, things did change a bit as to more discussions about 'One Post Wonders' putting in a plug for their web site / product / services. But, the mod is now again turned on so I think we'll move back to the 'this isn't a serious issue' status.

Right now I think it's more important to make sure the TOS content is clear and appropriate than to put links to it everywhere.

Reproduction strictly prohibited.

Dang. :rolleyes:

Reproduction strictly prohibited. Dang. :rolleyes: What, no elevators or stairways near you? :notme:

Last edited by Marc; 12th September 2008 at 04:26 PM. Reason: See revision history - Rev 080912 6.35PM

I think I did this once, but now I've forgotten how to look at the revsion history... :confused:

Technically only moderators can see the revision history of a post. I know this is somewhat problematic for most people here, but usually the changes aren't dramatic. If I could, in this forum only, enable viewing of revision history, I would. But - It's hard coded in as a user group permission and is applicable across all forums. For the most part, the revision history of a post is something we wouldn't want to make available to every Registered Visitor because sometimes posts are edited for content (thus the tracking, so any of the 30 plus moderators can see what has been edited) where we don't want the original text available to the public for one reason or the other. For 'transparency', I do have the option to let Registered Visitors see that a post has been edited or 'soft' deleted.

I will admit I could take the time and do strike throughs, color coding and such when I do revisions (ala MS Word tracking or such) but that really takes a lot of time. IF there are any really significant revisions I'll do something like that.

Most of what I'm doing right now are clarifications rather than significant changes.

You've been around a long time. If you would like to volunteer to help moderate a forum, let me or one of the other moderators know...

This is a bump. Currently, one of the most common violation is section 3.

3. POSTS by VENDORS (SUPPLIERS) and CONSULTANTS - COMMERCIAL POSTS