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How To Write Terms Of Use?

by RatRaceWatch
16 replies
Hey guys, does anyone know how I can/should write a terms of use for my website. I would really prefer to be able to do this on my own, and not pay for another service.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks.
Ryan
#terms #write
  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    Whenever I've had to do this I just Googled it, got together about half a dozen examples and used them as the basis for the one I needed. Terms of Service, Privacy Policies, etc.

    Please not I'm not advocating copying these documents verbatim, but rather using them to get an idea as to how to compose a unique one for your site.

    Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author RatRaceWatch
      I used a generator for my privacy policy, do you think that will pose a problem? I couldn't find one for terms of use so I'm going to have to figure out how to write it.
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    • Profile picture of the author hellohellosharp
      Originally Posted by mywebwork View Post

      Whenever I've had to do this I just Googled it, got together about half a dozen examples and used them as the basis for the one I needed. Terms of Service, Privacy Policies, etc.

      Please not I'm not advocating copying these documents verbatim, but rather using them to get an idea as to how to compose a unique one for your site.

      Bill
      This is what I do as well.

      Actually, I don't even get more than one example. I just go to like Clickbank or something and read through their terms of use.

      Then I try to write my own using similar language styles.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sherry Driedger
    I bought my policies originally, but over the years they have needed updating and as mywebwork mentioned above, I often use Google to get ideas on what needs to be added and updated. The other thing to keep in mind is that you will want to tailor your policies to fit with the site they are being used on. You might try looking at some sites in your niche for ideas and see what they are doing or Google "terms of use generator" for ideas and then tailor it for your website or niche. Using an online dictionary or thesaurus can help you in finding wording that is uniquely your own.
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    "Terms of Use" covers several different very important issues.

    One of which is disclaimers and liability issues, which I attack using two-pronged approach.

    First, go broad. Your goal is to protect yourself from any and all liabilities and responsibilities.

    For example: This post is made for general information purposes only and is not intended to address any specific situation, issue, or type of website.

    Second, go specific. Whatever your particular website is you will have certain risks. You address them specifically.

    For example: I am not your lawyer and this is not legal advice. If you need professional advice seek a competent attorney.

    .
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Tracey
    Kindsvater specializes in internet law and he's probably the only person you should listen to.

    I have 3 separate "policies" a disclaimer, privacy policy and terms of use which in addition to everything else ties in the other 2 pages.

    It has become absolutely imperative to have correct policies drafted legally because in addition to other risks American govt organizations are taking very close looks at these policies and you could very easily find yourself in contravention of the legal requirements and subject to fines, if your website is hosted in America...

    The British govt has sample pages up but you'll have to search for them... Also they're pretty basic

    Disclaimer: I have no legal or paralegal training or qualification... The above cannot be taken as legal advice
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  • Profile picture of the author wademvp91
    Either hire a lawyer if you have a **** ton of money, or better and cheaper would be to look at the TOS of some other sites and see how they word theirs
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  • Profile picture of the author Sean Donahoe
    There are specially created legal packs out there for internet marketers that cover every aspect of legal terms of use, disclaimers, liabilities, etc.

    However, if you want a simple "All bases covered" set look at the ones supplied with the Wordpress Plugin WP-Policies. They are pretty good and comprehensive for almost any site.

    All the best

    Sean
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    • Profile picture of the author Henry White
      Originally Posted by Sean Donahoe View Post

      There are specially created legal packs out there for internet marketers that cover every aspect of legal terms of use, disclaimers, liabilities, etc.

      However, if you want a simple "All bases covered" set look at the ones supplied with the Wordpress Plugin WP-Policies. They are pretty good and comprehensive for almost any site.

      All the best

      Sean
      I agree with Sean. Most of this is boiler-plate, and will work fine in most instances. However, I strongly recommend you read and digest it yourself before you post it. This is a two-way street, and these are the terms YOU say you are going to abide by yourself.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Miranda
      Originally Posted by Sean Donahoe View Post

      There are specially created legal packs out there for internet marketers that cover every aspect of legal terms of use, disclaimers, liabilities, etc.

      However, if you want a simple "All bases covered" set look at the ones supplied with the Wordpress Plugin WP-Policies. They are pretty good and comprehensive for almost any site.

      All the best

      Sean
      That is a good wordpress plugin and it is what I use.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Lambency
    I use AutoWebLaw.com on my sites.. It's only $97. You just enter a few details like your business name, website, date, & location and it'll generate an appropiate form.

    There are also many additional contracts and legal forms available in this package that might come in handy later, like if you want to draw up a contract for a JV deal or whatever...
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    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Scott Lambency View Post

      I use AutoWebLaw.com on my sites.. It's only $97. You just enter a few details like your business name, website, date, & location and it'll generate an appropiate form.

      There are also many additional contracts and legal forms available in this package that might come in handy later, like if you want to draw up a contract for a JV deal or whatever...
      Just having a look at this. NOt sure if you are plugging your own site, but hMMMM interesting.
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      • Profile picture of the author Scott Lambency
        Originally Posted by celente View Post

        Just having a look at this. NOt sure if you are plugging your own site, but hMMMM interesting.
        Not sure what you mean here by "plugging your own site.."

        These are pretty standard cookie cutter type forms. All I've had need for is the privacy policy and terms of use. There are several to choose from.

        If someone wanted to write their own, they could basically paraphrase the content into their unique verbage.
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  • Profile picture of the author bmcgoff
    After much searching, I decided just to find similar sites (very similar) and modify what they have up. Privacy policy, terms of use and disclaimer should do it for pretty much everyone.

    Make sure to mention that copyright owners can contact you if they think you're violating their rights.
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    • Profile picture of the author PacMan3000
      Out of curiosity, what does the Disclaimer do that a Terms of Use or Privacy Policy doesn't?
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