Considering the real-time nature of this bulletin board, it is impossible for us to review messages or confirm the validity of information posted. Please remember that we do not actively monitor the contents of posted messages and are not responsible for any messages posted. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message. The messages express the views of the author of the message, not necessarily the views of Allen Online or any entity associated with Allen Online. Any user who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to contact us immediately by email. We have the ability to remove objectionable messages and we will make every effort to do so, within a reasonable time frame, if we determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process, however, so please realize that we may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately.You agree, through your use of this service, that you will not use Allen Online to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law. You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or Allen Online.
Messages looking for missing persons are prohibited.
Allen Online does not preview the messages posted and Allen Online is not responsible for the content of any of these messages. Allen Online does reserve the right to delete any message for any or no reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Allen Online, Madrona Park, Inc. (the makers of the bulletin board software), and their agents, Uptown Promotions, and DSA, Inc., with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s).
We at Allen Online also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or whatever information we know about you) in the event of a complaint or legal action arising from any message posted by you.
Please note that advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are inappropriate for these forums.
The following sections are guidelines to help you better understand the intent of some of the forum rules. It is part of this user agreement.
Your Email Address.
Your email address must be valid. The forum rules state that you will not post any material that is knowingly false or inaccurate. An invalid email address will void your registration. If you change your email address please remember to update your user profile.
Your User Name.
You are only allowed one user name. Having more than one user name will void all your registrations. Also, you cannot select a user name that may create confusion with the name selected by another registered user or any other person even if that person does not use this service. You also cannot use a name that may cause people to believe that you are anybody but who you actually are. Please select a user name that is appropriate for a family oriented web site. The determination whether any user name is acceptable is at the sole discretion of Allen Online. User names that reflect the name of a product, service or business name is not allowed except from Allen Online advertisers.
Personal Information & Privacy.
Allen Online takes your privacy seriously. You may not post any personal information about anybody. The forum rules state that you will not post any material that is invasive of a person's privacy. This includes but is not limited to a person's real name, phone numbers, addresses, or any other private information. Any such message will be removed. Allen Online also extends this courtesy to persons not registered to use this service. You must respect the privacy of all individuals. Also, you may not collect or distribute any member information or any forum messages.
Freedom of Speech and Online Conduct.
The forum rules state that you will not post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening or invasive of a person's privacy. These limitations are not unusual. Similar rules and guidelines can be found at workplaces, in schools, in courtrooms, and probably in your own home and the home of your neighbor. When you register you agree to abide by the rules and guidelines and therefore you voluntarily agree to restrict your own rights in exchange for receiving this service.
Common sense, basic etiquette should guide your online conduct. Debate and disagreement are normal and acceptable as long as it doesn't become discourteous. You may dispute opinions and facts, but do so with facts and information that focuses on the issue and not on the person. Personal attacks are not allowed and they are defined as comments that reflect upon a person instead of their opinion. Flames and insulting criticism are not allowed.
Allen Talk is designed to be an informative meeting place to ask questions and discuss topics of various interests. One of the most significant features of Internet bulletin boards and forums is that most participants spend much more of their time listening (reading) than speaking. And they want topics that are relevant to their interests, readable, reliable, and not rude. While some have expressed concern about posting restrictions, some speech can be offensive enough that its emotional cost to the listeners can exceed the informational benefit. Please use your best judgement.
Staying on Topic.
Please make sure that your posts stay on the topic subject that was originally posted. If you suddenly come up with a pressing question on another subject, feel free to start a new topic with it. We understand that at times discussions will drift away from the original message, this is only natural. But please remember that the person that started the topic had a specific reason to do so.
