Genesee Free-Net Acceptable Use Policy

A user of the Genesee Free-Net must understand and agree to the conditions put forth in this Acceptable Use Policy.

The intent of this policy is to make clear certain uses which are consistent with the purposes of the Genesee Free-Net, not to exhaustively enumerate all such possible uses.

The directors or officers of the Genesee Free-Net may at any time make a determination that particular uses are or are not consistent with the purpose of the Genesee Free- Net.

If a use in consistent with the purposes of the Genesee Free-Net, then activities in direct support of that use will be considered consistent with the purposes of the Genesee Free-Net.

AGREEMENT Each user of the Genesee Free-Net must attest to the following:

[1.]
I understand that the Genesee Free-Net and any text, data, graphics, images, messages, communications, files or other material (information) available through the Genesee Free-Net is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way intended to refer to or be applicable to any specific person, organization, case or situation.

The Genesee Free-Net administration is not responsible for monitoring the information available through the Genesee Free-Net.

[2.]
I understand that the Genesee Free-Net administration does not warrant that the functions of this system will meet any specific requirements that I may have nor that it will be error free or uninterrupted;

nor shall it be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages (including but not limited to lost data, information or profits) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the Genesee Free-Net or any computer or computing system connected to the Genesee Free-Net (system).

[3.]
I understand that the Genesee Free-Net Board of Directors reserves the right to change the terms or conditions of this policy and that such changes or revisions will be available through the Genesee Free-Net. In addition, users agree to follow the MichNet policy.

I understand that I will be notified when I use the Genesee Free-Net of changes to this policy that have occurred since the last time I have used the Genesee Free-Net.

I understand that my continued use of the Genesee Free-Net shall constitute my acceptance of those changes or revisions.

[4.]
I understand that the Genesee Free-Net, its users and information providers are, at all times, independent contractors of each other and that no agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship shall arise, directly or indirectly, as a result of this policy.

[5.]
I understand that the information made available through the Genesee Free-Net is not a substitute for individual professional consultation and that advice on individual problems should be obtained personally from a qualified professional.

[6.]
In consideration for the privilege of using the Genesee Free-Net and in consideration for having access to the information available through it, I agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Genesee Free-Net, its officers, agents, employees, directors, and any individuals, firms, institutions, or organizations which make information available through the Genesee Free-Net for any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) of any nature arising from my use or inability to use, the Genesee Free-Net.

[7.]
I agree to use the Genesee Free-Net system appropriately by:
a) respecting the privacy of others,
b) respecting the legal protection provided by trade secret, copyright and license to programs and data,
c) respecting the integrity of the system, and
d) informing the Genesee Free-Net administration of any observed violation of this acceptable use policy.

[8.]
I agree not to use the Genesee Free-Net system inappropriately by:
a) intentionally seeking information on, obtaining copies of,
or modifying files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users,
b) representing myself as another user,
c) intentionally making my password available to another user,
d) intentionally developing or distributing programs that harass other users, infiltrate a computer or computing system, or damage or alter software or data,
e) performing acts of malice,
f) violating applicable laws or regulations or placing information on the Genesee Free-Net system which is illegal or violate another's rights,
g) precluding or significantly hampering the use of the system by another,
h) inhibiting the effective and shared use of the system,
i) distributing unsolicited advertisements - except through information services which explicitly allow such advertisements
j) using the system or information contained therein, for any unauthorized purposes including, but not limited to, commercial use of the Internet, a larger computing network system to which the Genesee Free-Net is connected.

9. Repeated, unsolicitied and unwanted communication of an intrusive nature is not acceptable. For example, continuing to send e-mail messages to an individual after being asked to stop is not acceptable.

10. Genesee Free-Net users also agree to abide by the acceptable use policy of MichNet. The policy can be found at

http://www.merit.edu/michnet/policies/acceptable.use.policy.html

REMEDIAL ACTION

Use of the Genesee Free-Net is a privilege that may be revoked, suspended or altered by the board of directors at any time for inappropriate use.

The board of directors (or designee of the board) shall be the sole arbiter of what constitutes appropriate or inappropriate use.

The Genesee Free-Net administration reserves the right to review any material stored in files which all users have access to.

It further reserves the right to review private material at the request of a user who has legitimate access to that material.

When the Genesee Free-Net administration learns of possible inappropriate use, the Genesee Free-Net will require that the user responsible be notified.

If the inappropriate use involves information available to other users, the Genesee Free-Net may require the editing or removal of the inappropriate material.

If deemed necessary to prevent further inappropriate use, the Genesee Free-Net may temporarily revoke the responsible user's privileges to use the system.

Every reasonable effort will be made to inform the user of the charges and allow them to respond prior to revocation of privileges.

In cases where the inappropriate use is deemed serious or the inappropriate use is repeated after notification as described above, the responsible user may have their privileges permanently revoked by the executive director or the designee of the executive director.

A user who has had their privileges revoked may make an appeal to the board of directors (or the designee of the board).

The decision of the board of directors (or the designee of the board) will be final.

Suggestions may be sent to gfoffice@gfn.org