Terms of Service and Forum Rules

Last updated: 02/08/2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

The providers ("we", "us", "our") of the service provided by this web site ("Service") are not responsible for any user-generated content and accounts. Content submitted express the views of their author only.

If you do not agree with these terms, please do not register or use the Service. Use of the Service constitutes acceptance of these terms.

2. Age Requirements and Child Safety

This Service is only available to users who are at least 13 years old. If you are younger than this, please do not register for this Service. If you register for this Service, you represent that you are this age or older.

We are committed to protecting children online. If we become aware that a user is under 13, we will terminate their account and delete their personal information.

Enhanced Protections for Users Under 18

For users aged 13-17, we implement additional safety measures:

• Enhanced content filtering to prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material
• Restrictions on private messaging with adult users
• Additional monitoring of interactions with adult members
• Simplified reporting mechanisms designed for younger users
• Clear safety resources and guidance for young users and parents

3. Forum Rules and Community Guidelines

3.1 General Conduct

• Be respectful: Treat all members with courtesy and respect, regardless of their opinions or background
• Stay on topic: Keep discussions relevant to retro technology and the specific forum category
• No spam: Do not post repetitive messages, advertisements, or promotional content without permission
• Quality over quantity: Make meaningful contributions rather than posting just to increase post count
• Search before posting: Check if your question has already been answered to avoid duplicate topics

3.2 Account Rules

• Each person may only have ONE account
• Account sharing is prohibited
• Choose appropriate usernames - no offensive, misleading, or impersonating names
• You are responsible for all activity under your account
• Keep your password secure and do not share it

3.3 Posting Guidelines

• Language: Posts must be in English unless in designated international sections
• Formatting: Use proper formatting, avoid excessive caps, colors, or fonts
• Images: Only post relevant images, ensure you have rights to share them
• Links: Only link to safe, relevant websites - no URL shorteners
• Signatures: Keep signatures reasonable in size and content
• Necroposting: Avoid reviving threads older than 6 months unless adding substantial new information

3.4 Trading and Sales Rules

If the forum includes buy/sell/trade sections:

• All items must be retro tech related
• Provide accurate descriptions and photos
• Honor agreed prices and terms
• No commercial dealers without permission
• Report suspicious listings immediately
• Users under 18 must have parental permission for transactions

4. Online Safety and Illegal Content

In compliance with the UK Online Safety Act 2023, we have zero tolerance for illegal content.

The following content is strictly prohibited and will be removed immediately upon detection:

• Illegal content including but not limited to:
  • Terrorism content or content that promotes or supports terrorism
  • Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) material
  • Content that promotes, encourages or provides instructions for suicide or self-harm
  • Hate speech based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or gender reassignment
  • Revenge pornography or intimate images shared without consent
  • Content that encourages or assists in illegal immigration or human trafficking
  • Content promoting illegal drugs or psychoactive substances
  • Content that encourages or assists in fraud or financial crimes
  • Extreme pornography
  • Content that threatens violence or incites violence

5. Content Standards and Prohibited Behavior

In addition to illegal content, the following is prohibited:

5.1 Harmful Content

• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation of other users
• Trolling or deliberately inflammatory posts
• Doxxing (sharing personal information without consent)
• False or misleading information that could cause harm
• Content encouraging dangerous challenges or stunts
• Content promoting eating disorders or dangerous weight loss
• Instructions for making weapons or explosives
• Impersonation of other users or public figures

5.2 Inappropriate Content

• Sexually explicit or suggestive content
• Graphic violence or gore
• Profanity or vulgar language (keep it family-friendly)
• Content inappropriate for users aged 13+
• Political or religious content that could cause division
• Off-topic commercial content or advertising

5.3 Technical Violations

• Attempting to hack or compromise the forum
• Sharing malware or malicious code
• Circumventing bans or restrictions
• Using automated tools without permission
• Exploiting bugs instead of reporting them

6. Content Moderation and Review

All content may be reviewed by our moderation team. We use a combination of:

• Automated content filtering systems
• User reports reviewed by human moderators
• Proactive monitoring by staff
• Google reCAPTCHA for spam prevention

6.1 Moderation Team

• Moderators are volunteers who help maintain community standards
• Moderator decisions should be respected
• Do not argue with moderation decisions in public - use the appeals process
• Do not attempt to circumvent moderation actions

7. Reporting System

If you see content that violates these rules, please report it immediately.

How to Report:

• Use the "Report" button on any post or message
• Message a moderator directly for urgent issues
• Email us at /misc/contact
• For illegal content involving children, report immediately

We commit to:

• Acknowledge reports within 24 hours
• Take immediate action on illegal content
• Review all reports fairly and promptly
• Protect reporter confidentiality

8. Enforcement and Consequences

8.1 Warning System

For minor violations, we use a progressive warning system:

1. First offense: Informal warning via PM
2. Second offense: Formal warning recorded on account
3. Third offense: Temporary suspension (1-7 days)
4. Fourth offense: Extended suspension or permanent ban

8.2 Immediate Action Offenses

The following result in immediate permanent bans:

• Posting illegal content
• Endangering children
• Severe harassment or threats
• Hacking attempts
• Ban evasion

8.3 Content Actions

• Edited to remove violations
• Moved to appropriate section
• Locked to prevent further replies
• Deleted entirely if necessary

9. Appeals Process

If you disagree with a moderation action:

1. Wait 24 hours before appealing (except for urgent safety issues)
2. Contact us at /misc/contact with "Appeal" in subject
3. Include your username and details of the action
4. Provide any relevant context or evidence
5. We will review within 7 working days
6. The decision of senior staff is final

10. Privacy and Personal Information

• Do not share personal information publicly
• Be cautious when sharing information with other users
• Never share passwords or account details
• Report any attempts to obtain personal information
• See our Privacy Policy for data handling

11. Content Licensing

By posting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, permanent, irrevocable, unlimited license to use, publish, or re-publish your Content in connection with the Service. You retain copyright over the Content.

This means:

• Your posts remain on the forum even if you leave
• We can quote or feature quality content
• You must have rights to everything you post
• You remain the owner of your original content

12. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

• Information shared is from users and may not be accurate
• We are not responsible for user-generated content
• Technical advice is given at your own risk
• We are not liable for transactions between users
• The forum may be unavailable at times for maintenance

13. Cooperation with Authorities

We cooperate fully with law enforcement and Ofcom, including:

• Preserving evidence of illegal activity
• Providing information when legally required
• Reporting serious crimes to appropriate authorities
• Implementing required safety measures

14. Changes to Terms

These terms may be updated to reflect changes in law or forum policies. We will:

• Notify users of significant changes via email or announcement
• Allow time to review changes before they take effect
• Require re-acceptance for material changes

15. Contact Information

For general inquiries: /misc/contact

For safety concerns: [safety contact]

For data protection: See our Privacy Policy

16. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be handled in the courts of England and Wales.

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Remember: The Retro Tech Collection forum thrives on mutual respect, shared knowledge, and a passion for vintage technology. Let's keep it a welcoming place for enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds!