FORUM POLICY
Posted at http://members.tripod.com/~SCROOTS/faq8.html

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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