How To Write Terms Of Use?

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

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.

"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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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

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

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 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...

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.