Forum Policy

Forum Policy FORUM POLICY
Remaining subscribed or otherwise using the Forum in any manner shall constitute acknowledgment that you have read and agreed to the following Forum Policies.

1. Fundamental policy.
Don't be annoying or be easily annoyed.

2. SPAM and things like it.
Test messages, virus warnings, chain letters, profanity, insults, political statements, commercial ads, personal messages, inappropriate announcements, off-topic messages, and other annoying messages may be grounds for expulsion from this Forum without further notice.

3. Quoting.
Don't quote excessively. Most email programs automatically quote the whole message when you reply. In an archived Forum this is wasteful and can be confusing. Quote the relevant portions only. Delete extraneous material. Excess quoting is annoying.

4. Topics.
The Forum is for sharing and discussion of South Carolina genealogy information, study, and research. Historical information and other material helpful for guiding or understanding research is acceptable. Other subjects and uses are off-topic in this Forum.

Examples of ON-TOPIC messages.

"John, I checked the probate index for Sumter and Darlington per your request. Found the following listings for the names DuBose and Buddin which may be of interest to you and others ...."

"REWARD OFFERED! After 20 years searching I've run out of ideas. So, I'm offering a $200 reward for the information listed below with acceptable accompanying proofs conforming to the requirements indicated ...."

"LOOKUP REQUEST: Seeking lookup help on the following ...."

"QUESTION: In the extract shown below from an 1808 Sumter District will, can somebody explain the meaning of the phrase ...."

Examples of OFF-TOPIC messages.

"John, I haven't got the information you requested. But, did you see the game yesterday?"

"Mary, Thanks a lot for all the data you gave me. It really helps."

"This is a test to see if I have this working right."

"Announcing a new web site for all you Carolina duck hunters ...."

"FOR SALE: ...."

5. Message format and attachments.
Do not send HTML format messages or file attachments to the email Forum. Some subscribers use email programs that are not compliant with current standard protocols (e.g. MIME). File attachments and HTML encoded messages cause such subscribers confusion and problems. Make sure HTML format is turned off in your email program and that "cards" are not being appended to messages sent to the email Forum. If you have a non-commercial file that you would like to make available for others, you may post an announcement about its availability telling people how they may freely obtain the file. If you think it is particularly useful information, consider donating the file to a web site for permanent online availability.

6. Etiquette.
Be considerate of other Forum members. Follow common standards of etiquette. This is a public Forum accessible to people of all ages, sexes, races, religions, political philosophies, nationalities, etc. Therefore all uses should be appropriate for a "General" audience. Do not use profanity. Do not insult people. Be nice. If you can't be nice, be quiet. If you can't be nice or be quiet, then be gone.

7. Illegal activities.
Use of the Forum for any illegal activity of any kind is unacceptable. For examples, there are laws relating to copyright, data protection, computer misuse, libel, etc. Each user accepts responsibility for complying with all laws, regulations, policies, guidance, information, etc., which apply to usage of the Forum.

Although many resources are free, some are not allowed to be copied or distributed with prior permission of the copyright holder. When in doubt, ask the copyright holder. You are considered the publisher of all messages that you place in the Forum. You accept total and absolute responsibility for everything you publish in this forum. It is your responsibility to determine copyright restrictions, truth of claims, etc., and comply with all applicable laws.

8. Access privileges.
Use is a privilege granted to all people by the Forum Manager. This privilege may be revoked by the Forum Manager at any time for any reason.

9. Clock settings.
Your e-mail program will use the date and time on your PC's clock to stamp your messages. So make sure your system's date and time are correct. Messages with incorrect dates can be annoying. If your clock is losing time your battery may be dying.

10. Privacy rights of others.
Respect people's feelings and their right to privacy. Think carefully before forwarding an e-mail message. Don't send personal information about living persons without their permission.

11. General.
Notice is hereby given that there are no facilities provided for sending or receiving private or confidential electronic communications. All communications shall be deemed to be readily accessible to the general public. Do not use this Forum for any communication intended for only the sender and intended recipients to read. Any information placed on this system will be made available for general distribution to the public. The operators and management of this system have no control over re-distribution or use by others.

By your use of this system, you agree to hold harmless the operators and management against any and all claims arising out of such use regardless of the cause or fault. The Forum Manager makes no representations, guaranties, or warranties of any kind regarding any information, or materials distributed or discussed in the Forum.

By your use of this public Forum, you accept absolute and complete responsibility for your actions. You are considered the publisher of all materials that you send to the Forum. By using the Forum you are agreeing to hold harmless and defend the Forum Management against all claims related to your actions involving the Forum.

Information placed in the Forum is not subject to prior review or censorship. Although the Forum Management encourages users to act responsibly through the posting of policy statements, guidelines, help messages, etc., it is understood that the Forum Management does not screen materials placed in the Forum to remove offensive, obscene, illegal, or otherwise potentially inappropriate materials. You agree that use of the Forum is done with the knowledge that material is not subject to review or censorship prior to distribution. Due to the fact that such prior screening is not available, the Forum Management recommends that adults not allow children to have uncontrolled access to the Forum. By your use of the Forum you agree to monitor and control your access in order to prevent misuse of the Forum and to control access by children.

12. Other Responsibilities.
Each user accepts responsibility for obtaining all advice, help, services, etc., necessary to comply with Forum policy.

The user accepts responsibility for any and all harm caused by or associated with inspecting, verifying, reading, or using in any manner anything received or obtained from the Forum, other Forum users, or the Forum Management. The user also accepts responsibility for any and all harm resulting from omission of such inspection, verification, reading, or use.

These Forum Policy statements and other items which may be made available by the Forum Management are subject to change at the discretion of Forum Management without prior notice. The user accepts responsibility for monitoring this policy and other items for changes.

The user accepts that Forum Management is under no obligation to provide support or service of any kind to the user and may terminate or interrupt the operations of the Forum at any time without prior notice.

Interpretation and enforcement of all policy matters is at the discretion of the Forum Management.

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