RHSV Website Code of Conduct

Your use of the free online interactive services offered at this site is conditional upon your acceptance and observance of the following “Code of Conduct”.

RHSV reserves the right to remove (without notice) any user or group in breach of the Code of Conduct, and any content deemed inappropriate. RHSV reserves the right to alter the Code of Conduct at any time, without notice.

By continuing to use RHSV, you agree to be bound by the latest changes.

Introduction

We want RHSV to be a safe, secure environment for people to share their experiences and engage with others. Harassment, offensive or obscene behaviour is not allowed, and bad behaviour will not be tolerated. Racial vilification or illegal activities are also not permitted. All members of RHSV are bound and protected by the Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy.

Please note that all responsibility for the content and membership of each community at RHSV lies with the Community Owners/Moderators, who have administrative rights to approve, edit and delete the contents and membership of their own online community.

“Content” may include text, images, sound or video that is hosted on the RHSV server, exchanged in a chat room, sent via email, or viewed via webcam.

The RHSV project staff, Community Owners and Moderators reserve the right to take appropriate action, without notice, to remove any content deemed inappropriate, and any user or group in breach of the Code of Conduct.

RHSV reserves the right to alter this document at any time, without notice. By continuing to use RHSV forums, you agree to be bound by the latest changes. It is the responsibility of RHSV users to have read the most up-to-date Code of Conduct on the RHSV site at: www.historyvictoria.org.au. This forum is coordinated by RHSV, so, where applicable, the Terms and Conditions also apply to RHSV, as does the Acceptable Use Policy and Disclaimer. These may change without notice. It is the responsibility of all users of RHSV to be aware of the latest changes to these documents.

Note that RHSV is only to be used in the spirit in which it is intended. Any breach of the Code of Conduct, as well as harassment or abuse, whether physical, verbal or written of other users or RHSV staff members, will result in the immediate cancellation of RHSV services to the individual, Community Group and/or its Owner/Moderators. Any illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

It is the responsibility of the RHSV Moderators to ensure that they and their members do not break the Code of Conduct in any way, including, but not limited to: sending SPAM, harassing others, posting inappropriate content, breaching copyright, storing files containing offensive or illegal material, knowingly spreading viruses, conducting illegal activities online etc.

Who may use RHSV?
The RHSV forums are provided by the RHSV in Australia, as a free community resource for the benefit of all Victorians, both community groups and individuals.

Note that RHSV forums are only to be used in the spirit in which they are intended: as a resource to establish genuine and viable communities of members, interacting regularly online.

RHSV is a non-commercial webspace. It is not intended that any group or individual use RHSV services solely for commercial gain or business purposes. For example, as a free vehicle for sales or promotion of products or services; or onselling the freely provided RHSV services etc. If you have a commercial interest or business, you may contact us for clarification.

Advertising material (e.g. banner ads) or promotion of commercial activities (e.g. links to commercial sites) are permitted on your web site and/or in your community, however, as long as your organisation or content is not developed solely for commercial gain. e.g. a non-profit organisation can recognise and acknowledge their sponsors, or endeavour to promote its fundraising activities. Be aware, however, that excessive commercial content can detract from the value of your community message. Note also, that any attempt by a purely commercial organisation to profit from the free resources provided at RHSV, may result in the removal of such content, without notice. If you are unsure, contact us for clarification.

To use this forum, you must complete the registration process by providing us with current, complete and accurate information as prompted by the Registration Form and nominating a login and password(Registration Data). You agree to maintain and update this Registration Data as required to keep it current, complete and accurate. E.g. if you change your email address, you should update it via your profile page.

Removal of Inappropriate Content

RHSV reserves the right to remove (without notice) any user or group in breach of the Code of Conduct, and any content deemed inappropriate

For quality control purposes, RHSV Staff also reserve the right to remove without notice any community that allows its members to breach the Code of Conduct (including, but not limited to: promoting or carrying out illegal activities, hacking, any pornography (including child pornography), breaches of copyright, spreading viruses, offensive material etc.).

What sort of content is inappropriate? Material usually referred to as pornography, adult content, violence, hate, aggression, gambling, warez or copyright violation, etc. Also material of blatantly commercial nature, get-rich-quick schemes, temporary or half-finished sites. This material, and any links to it, may be removed.

Children

Children who use RHSV must be supervised at all times. Be aware that if children post images of themselves, school records, their address, or any other identifying information, it could potentially be used against them in a harmful manner, e.g. by paedophiles.

Note that whilst Internet Content Hosts (such as RHSV) are not required to actively review, monitor or classify the content hosted on their service, they have an obligation to report material they have reasonable grounds to believe is child pornography or child abuse material to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

As detailed in the Disclaimer, the RHSV accepts no responsibility for the behaviour of individuals who access any of the interactive features of the RHSV website, including any chat room. This includes any liability in respect of their actions, comments and/or opinions, which are solely their own and not those of RHSV.

Netiquette – The rules of politeness & acceptable behaviour on the Internet

Internet chat and online communication via email, Forums etc. is mostly a very enjoyable experience. It allows you to meet many people from all countries around the world. This is a place to make new friends or simply talk on subjects which interest you. You are expected to follow simple guidelines as to how you present your views appropriately. Respecting others, and becoming familiar with the set conventions, will make your online experience a lot easier and more enjoyable.

Talking in a chat room is like walking into a room full of strangers, so the normal social conventions apply. You wouldn’t normally run in shouting, swearing and being abusive, so make sure you don’t here either.

Be polite, welcome people entering the chat room or introduce yourself to those already in there. You don’t necessarily need to use proper punctuation or capital letters in a chat room, but be aware that typing everything in CAPITAL LETTERS means SHOUTING. Be careful you don’t accidentally hit the Caps Lock key.

Differences of opinion are normal, and vibrant, robust discussion can be stimulating, but don’t descend to personal attacks or react in an angry or impulsive manner. The key to good Netiquette is respect:

• Respect the right of others to have different opinions
• Respect their rights of privacy and confidentiality
• Respect people’s time and bandwidth- do you have a valuable contribution to make, or are you just wasting people’s time? Does your comment further the discussion in a positive way?
• Be aware that comments made in the Forum may go out by email to everyone on the mailing list for that group. Whilst it is possible for a group owner or moderator to delete the Forum message from the webpage, the original email messages cannot be recalled
• Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes
• Don’t start or contribute to electronic flame wars (flaming is making personal attacks, using threatening or emotive language, or making inflammatory remarks).

If anyone gets carried away and breaks any of the rules, it is the responsibility of the Community Owner to eject them from the chat room or even ban them from that community. RHSV also reserve the right to ban or suspend anyone from using RHSV for inappropriate or offensive behaviour, or anyone in breach of the Code of Conduct.

You must not use RHSV for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by this Code of Conduct. All users of RHSV must not use RHSV services, directly or indirectly, to:

• Organise or engage in any illegal activities whatsoever
• Defame, abuse, harass, stalk or threaten others
• Propagate hatred &/or racial vilification
• Knowingly cause harm or distress to others
• Breach any copyright or other laws or regulations.

Therefor, in addition to upholding this Code of Conduct, you are responsible for adhering to all local and national laws that pertain to your location.

Privacy

To use all the interactive features of this site, you need to register as a member of RHSV. In this process, you may need to provide us with your email address, so you should be aware of our Privacy Policy.

With whom may your information be shared? Your email address may be visible to all other members of any RHSV forum you join. It may also be attributed to any messages you post, and may be used by RHSV project staff to contact you, from time-to-time. We won’t share your information with third parties interested in e-mailing you promotional offer e-mails.

As a general rule, RHSV will not disclose any of your personally identifiable information except when we have your permission or under special circumstances, such as when we believe in good faith that the law requires it.

RHSV staff do not routinely monitor the details of individual members, or the content of RHSV communities or chat sessions. Appropriate staff do, however, retain the right to access all data stored on the RHSV server(s); though this is only carried out for technical, statistical or administrative purposes; or when assisting members who have specifically requested help.

Any personal or sensitive information contained in RHSV forum posts and attachments must be handled in accordance with the Victorian Information Privacy Act 2000, the Health Records Act 2001 or the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth), as applicable.

If RHSV staff or or moderators become aware that a member has breached confidentiality, they may then remove the offender from the forum, or ask RHSV staff to ban them from using the RHSV forums entirely. It is the role of the moderators to ensure that forum members behave responsibly, and are aware of, and abide by, the Code of Conduct.

Email

All users of RHSV forums must NOT use the RHSV forums to:

• Send emails or post messages, which are unlawful, excessively large, obscene, vilifying, or contain defamatory or libellous content.
• Send unsolicited advertisements (“spam”), chain letters or similar emails.
• Use Vicnet as a relay for email without Vicnet’s express permission.
• Modify the sender, time, server or other header information of emails.
• Send large numbers of email to one address with the purpose of interfering with the use of the address
• Forward confidential RHSV mail to non-members
• Help with email

Note that information contained in RHSV email (and attahcments) must legally be handled in accordance with Privacy Acts – see the Privacy section of this Code of Conduct, and the Privacy Policy.

Illegal Activities

You must not use RHSV forums for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by the Code of Conduct.

Specifically, all users of RHSV forums must not use RHSV forums, directly or indirectly, to:

• Organise, aid or promote any criminal activities whatsoever, including, but not limited to: the use of violence, use or sale of illegal drugs or banned substances, production or deployment of bombs and explosives, planning or carrying out fraud, theft, robberies or other crimes.
• Engage in or carry out any illegal activities including, but not limited to: cracking, probing, or analysing security systems.
• Host, link to or promote any offensive or illegal content, such as child pornography
• Promote or send surveys, contests, pyramid schemes, chain letters, bulk email, junk email, SPAM or any duplicative or unsolicited messages (commercial or otherwise).
• Knowingly propagate computer viruses.
• Attempt to crash or interfere with any computer systems.
• Defame, abuse, harass, stalk or threaten others.
• Propagate hatred &/or racial vilification.
• Create a false identity for the purpose of misleading others.
• Knowingly cause harm to others.
• Breach any Copyright or laws by uploading, storing, broadcasting, publishing or delivering any information, in any format (text, images, audio, video etc.).
• Breach the Copyright Act.
• Breach the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Online Services) Act 1999.
• Breach the Trade Practices Act.
• Breach the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Enforcement) Act (Vic) 1995.

In addition to upholding this Code of Conduct, you are responsible for adhering to all local and national laws that pertain to your location.

You may not use RHSV Sites/Services in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair them (or any network(s) connected to them), or interfere with any other party’s use and enjoyment.

Use of Logos

Impersonating a RHSV employee, agent, manager, technician, host, or another member is forbidden. You must not use RHSV forums to mislead, deceive or defraud. See also: Illegal Activities. Be aware that most organisations will not allow use of their images or logo without specific permission.

Copyright

All users of RHSV forums must respect the intellectual property rights of others. Nobody is allowed to use RHSV services to breach any copyright or laws by uploading, storing, broadcasting, transmitting, publishing or delivering any information, in any format [text, images, audio, video etc.]. Material that is known to breach copyright will be removed without notice.

Regarding your own content, copyright protection is free and automatic. It is not ideas, but their expression, that are protected by copyright law. The intention is that nobody should profit unfairly from the work of others, by stealing and reproducing their work, then passing it off as their own. Thus copyright protection provides an incentive for creators to continue to create new materials.

Australian Copyright law automatically protects intellectual property. This means that if you create a webpage, or upload a document or images, that are stored &/or published on the RHSV server; you still own the copyright. It is not automatically assumed by RHSV or group owners.

RHSV does not claim ownership of the materials you provide. However, by posting, uploading, inputting, providing or otherwise submitting content, you are granting RHSV permission to use it as appropriate, including publishing your name in connection with your submission. This includes the license rights for RHSV to make it available to others, in accordance with the functionality of the RHSV website.

Your work may be accessed by other members of the group, or, indeed, by the public (in the case of a “Public” group or webpage), but copyright is still held by the original author, so permission would need to be sought before anyone else can reproduce any work, which should still be attributed to the originator.

Note that RHSV staff and moderators do, however, have a right to remove anything if necessary by law, or if it breaks the Code of Conduct.

RHSV retains copyright of all of the RHSV website that is directly created by its staff and contractors, e.g. photos, text of help pages, RHSV programming code etc. (excluding the contents of members individual webspace and communities, as referred to above).

Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under copyright legislation, no part may be reproduced or used for any commercial purposes whatsoever.

Security

We take all reasonable precautions to ensure that data stored on the RHSV server(s) is secure. However, it is not possible to guarantee the absolute security of anything on the Internet. You should be aware that there are always risks in transmitting or storing information electronically. We recommend that you think very carefully before posting anything anywhere on the Internet that is highly confidential or sensitive – there can be no such thing as total security.

Login

It is a security requirement that each user identify themselves to the system at the start of every session by logging in; then log out if they end their session, or if the user changes.

Each user is uniquely identified by their login details. Users nominate these during the initial RHSV forum registration process, by choosing their own login and password.

To protect your account, we need to confirm your identity, so each time you use RHSV forums, you must login. This enables the system to correctly identify you and present you, and only you, with access to your personal information.

Some features are only available to Members (e.g. in Members Only forums), so you need to login to access them.

Don’t want to login? Then think about this – the login process is not only a requirement of using RHSV, it is a safeguard to verify who you are, and protects your privacy!

Cookies

RHSV uses cookies for security purposes, to help protect the contents of Members Only forums. This helps ensure that when you login to RHSV we can confirm that you are a member of certain forums, and that activity generated under your login identity, is actually coming from the computer you logged in with. This helps stop somebody else pretending to be you.

Log Out: Ending Your Session

For your own security, you should Log Out when you have finished using RHSV forums, or when you leave your computer. Use the link which appears at the top right of any screen (if you’re currently logged in). Once you have done this, nobody else can use your identity at RHSV forums to submit messages or alter content. They will need to Login again as themselves. This is a security measure to protect your privacy.

If you are using a public or shared computer, you may also wish to clear the history and close your browser window when you leave the keyboard.

It is your responsibility to ensure the security of your computer and browser. As well as installing and updating virus protection, it is also advisable to keep up to date with Critical Security Updates for your computer. Do not disclose your RHSV forum login password to anyone, and be aware of the Code of Conduct re Security.

Password Security

Do not disclose your RHSV forum password or login to anyone – you are responsible for any activities that occur with its use! You must not attempt to gain unauthorized access to RHSV forums. If you think your password may have become known to others, you can change your password by going to My profile. If you have forgotten your password, we can email it to you.

Viruses

Whilst we are constantly reviewing our own security procedures at RHSV, we cannot protect you from viruses you may pick up from other sources. RHSV strongly advise that everyone installs, runs and frequently updates a virus checking program on their own computer. You must update this several times a week, to effectively protect you from the latest Internet threats.

Also be aware that not all viruses can be detected and cleaned. There is a risk involved whenever you access the Internet, or download email and attachments to your computer, or send email attachments to others, and that, as stated in the Liability section, RHSV are not responsible for any damages caused by your decision to do so.

Content Regulation

The Broadcasting Services Amendment (Online Services) Act 1999 became effective on January 1, 2000. In accordance with amended Australian Government legislation, RHSV is now obliged to notify users within Australia about issues relating to Internet content.

Any Australian may complain to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) about illegal or offensive Internet content at the ACMA’s website. The ACMA investigates complaints to assess whether the content is ‘prohibited’ as defined in Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

Child Pornography

Note that whilst Internet Content Hosts (ICH’s (such as RHSV) are not required to actively review, monitor or classify the content hosted on their service, they have an obligation to report material they have reasonable grounds to believe is child pornography or child abuse material to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Users of Internet Explorer can change various basic browser settings to control what Web content is displayed, in an attempt to protect children from accessing adult content. Go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options then Content &/or Security. For more comprehensive solutions, however, you will need to purchase and install some form of content filtering software.

Filtering Content

Web content filtering software can “block” access to known pornographic Web sites and other objectionable content (such as racist and profane Web sites). Some filtering software will also block access to other online resources, such as Web-based chat forums and certain newsgroups, and prevent file downloads. Note, however, that no product is perfect – some sites will be unintentionally blocked, whilst some slip through that shouldn’t. Filtering Software is no substitute for education, personal judgement and parental supervision. To ensure safe-surfing, you should also instal, run and frequently update a virus checking program on your computer.

There are various ways to attempt to filter out adult content on the Web. However, this raises some issues:

• Who decides what you see and what you don’t?
• Can a filter really make the Internet experience “safe” for kids?
• Does it give you a false sense of security?
• Do you know or control what sites are “blocked”?
• Can any software adequately replace parental guidance or supervision?

Disclaimer

All responsibility for the content of each forum at RHSV lies with the Moderators, who have administrative rights to edit and delete the contents of their own online community.

Moderators are required to agree to and uphold this Code of Conduct before creating any online forum at RHSV and are liable for all forum activities and content. Moderators are also required to ban from their areas any members who violate this Code of Conduct, and must remove any offensive or inappropriate content.

RHSV staff do not routinely monitor or review live chat sessions. It is the responsibility of the owner/moderators of each community to do this. Be aware that although the dialogue in chat sessions is not routinely recorded by RHSV staff, the technology exists for individual users to log the content of chat sessions. Any log or transcript of a chat session is CONFIDENTIAL and intended only for members of the RHSV forum in which the chat occurred.

RHSV accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the behaviour of individuals who access any of the interactive features of the RHSV forums, including any chat room. This includes any liability in respect of their actions, comments and/or opinions, which are solely their own and not those of RHSV.

You are responsible for any actions you may take based on advice or information you receive online.

The content of the RHSV website, and any opinions expressed by RHSV members in associated RHSV communities, is provided for information purposes only, and does not constitute formal legal or medical advice. You are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information provided here. Information is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the site undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.

Use your own judgment when evaluating information provided through any communication service, and remember that the information provided could be from people at any age and experience level. The decision to conduct transactions is your own and you should perform your own research prior to making any decisions.

Links Disclaimer

No responsibility is taken for any information or services that may appear on any linked web sites, which are provided for your information only. Whilst every attempt is made to link to appropriate sites, RHSV cannot guarantee the safety or suitability of any external site, the content of which is outside of our control, and subject to change without notice.

The appearance of links to other websites from this site, does not imply endorsement or support by RHSV nor any of our respective employees and contracted workers; for the products, services, aims, policies or practices of any of these organisations. We can’t vouch for the currency or accuracy of the links or quality of information on these third party external sites. No liability can be accepted, nor responsibility taken, for their content. Any comments, views or opinions expressed are those of their respective authors, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or reflect those of RHSV, or any of our respective employees and workers.

All links provided on the RHSV Website are for your information only – they should not be relied upon solely, and do not constitute formal legal or medical advice. You are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information provided.

We cannot accept any responsibility for information which is inadvertently incorrect and/or where action has been taken as a result of information anywhere on the RHSV site or any site it links to.

Liability

RHSV will not be liable to you in respect of any loss or damage which may be suffered or incurred by you, or which may arise either directly or indirectly, or in respect of your use of the RHSV Website &/or Services.

To the extent permitted by law, RHSV shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential damages or any damages whatsoever including, without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profits, arising out of or in any way connected with the use or performance of the Service, with the delay or inability to use the Service, the provision of or failure to provide Services, or for any information, software, products, services and related graphics obtained through the Service, or otherwise arising out of the use of the Service; whether based on contract, tort, negligence, strict liability or otherwise, even if RHSV has been advised of the possibility of damages.

Without limitation, RHSV will not be liable to you for losses arising directly or indirectly from any:

• failure by RHSV to provide the Forum service
• for any corruption to or loss of data
• errors or interruption to the Service
• defects, faults or viruses
• changes, suspension or discontinuance of the Service
• failure to make any changes or improvements to the Service
• use or results of the use of the Service or the materials made available as part of the Service which are not correct, accurate, timely, or otherwise reliable
• threatening, defamatory, obscene, offensive or illegal content or conduct of any other party or any infringement of another’s rights, including intellectual property rights
• content sent using and/or included in the Service by any third party; or
• deletion of emails or messages; or
• contractual or other relationship you enter into with any advertiser appearing on the RHSV web site or the Service.

RHSV makes no express representations about the suitability reliability, availability, timeliness, and accuracy of the RHSV Service for any purpose. The Service is provided “as is” and to the extent permitted by law, RHSV hereby disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to the Service, including all implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement.

You agree to indemnify and hold RHSV officers and employees, harmless from any claims, actions, applications, arbitration, causes of action, complaints, costs, debts due, demands, terminations, enquiries, judgments and verdicts, at law, in equity or arising under any statute or award (including legal costs), by any third party due to or arising out of your use of or conduct on the Service, including, without limitation, any breach of the Code of Conduct.