Do We Need Our Own Disclaimers & Terms

[Tom]

Do we need our own disclaimers & terms.I know it is easy enough to make a page with our own terms and disclaimers, but do we need to do this?I'm wondering if the links at the bottom of my network cover me and all of the content being created on my network?The terms and conditions seem to say everything that needs to be said except that it always refers back to "Ning" and the "Ning Platform."Is there any way to use the language editor to edit these terms and conditions?With the new FCC rules, I might need to add some language about how I get reimbursed from some of the products I promote on my site.Having two sets of terms and conditions on my site would be confusing. Especially if I pay to take the rest of the Ning references off my network.Thanks for any help.

[Derek]

That is a good question, I created a advice column on my site, where members can seek help for Marriage, Divorce, Relationships, and just life in general. One of my administrators suggested we should put some kind of disclaimer on the site. I actually never thought of the idea, until I thought of what can arise from the advice that is given on my website. I also have a group where members are allowed to advertise there products or business. I had to put a disclaimer there also, so I wont be held responsible for any product that may be advertised on my site.

Luckily for me, My administrator is a former legal secretary. So I would say it is a good idea.

[Tom]

Thanks Derek. Good luck with your site.

[Roby]

"Is there any way to use the language editor to edit these terms and conditions?"

I would like to know this too.

Also, currently if you have an i.e. German network "The terms and conditions" still all in English even if you go premium. I can imagine that legal wise we must have those "terms and conditions" in the language of the country we operate. Any chance Ning will translate this for us, or that we are able to change this trough our language editor soon?

[Amit S]

I have an interesting question for you...Just think of a hypothetical situation wherein someone defames you in Facebook groups etc. how much would Facebook be liable, for the same? it's the same for our network, in case a user complaints of any kind of issue/harassment etc. because of a fellow user, how much would the NC be liable for, if at all.... (Given the fact that NC has no role into it )?

Secondly if the present T&C and Privacy protects the NC of any liability arising out of any such scenario?

Our networks have user generated content and conversations which sometimes may go out of hand..however come what may NC should have certain disclaimer or protection/indemnity for itself , just in case the situation worsens...

[Amit S]

One of my member who was getting defamed by other member's post, said she will sue him and my network as it was the medium of communication used.... i warned the other member, deleted his post and settled the issue, however that case got me thinking about this........ and I am still not sure : (
I don't think we (as in NC) have any protection under T&C .. I guess we should use another T&C under a different name (Like additional clauses etc. ), so that a member doesn't get confuse with two T & C...

[Sudhir Kumar]

We use a Page (linked to Menu) to set our own Rules, Terms & Conditions. That's the easiest way to let users know, what they can do, and what they cant. You can also do something like this.

[Amit S]

Hi Sudhir, can you post the link of that page, if you dont mind...

[Sudhir Kumar]

Sure, here it is...
http://www.jaibhojpuri.com/page/rules-1
Al though most of the rules are written in Bhojpuri, so users cant understand them, but if you scroll below, there are a few in English as well.

[Amit S]

Thanks sudhir, but my issue is how do you make the user agree to it, no tick box for your rules when they sign up... You have an Interesting site though !

[Sudhir Kumar]

Well, there is no way for something like that. You can write that by being a member of this website, you agree to these, or else, you may leave... See, even if someone clicks on a tick-box, that does not Guarantee that he will abide by all terms.

You have to ban all those, who does not accept them. On our network, which is just 6 months old, we have 5150+ members, and till now we have BANNED 104 members, who tried to do something, which was not permitted in rules... It's your network, and once you have written it, everyone will follow the same. Or else, you have ways to enforce the same.