Website Terms and Conditions - Boring, Scary and Essential
What are Website Terms and Conditions?
First it is very important define what I mean by 'website terms and conditions' ;.Known as 'terms of use' or 'terms of service', these documents set out what is expected of website visitors and usually include various disclaimers and legal notices. Some also contain a privacy policy, which deals with how a website will treat information provided by users. But because privacy policies are another topic in themselves, article I will refer to everything but the privacy policy.
What should they include?
What should go into the terms of for a website will really depend on what are the website it is. Obviously the needs will change for a simple blog versus a major commercial site. While there is much stuff that is to be optional, a number of things which should arguably be included for all websites. So here is an index of a lot of the key points it is worthwhile including if you happen to need to draft up terms of use for your website:
a statement that people using the website will be bound by the terms of service (so they are effective);
a disclaimer and limitation of liability statement (to reduce the risk that visitors definately will sue the web or blogsite owner);
a statement which discusses links return and forth external sites, and whether affiliate links can be used;
a clause which identifies the local law applicable in determining any disputes under the terms of use (always good to use a home ground advantage);
a paragraph regarding the conduct of visitors on the spot (something that encourages people to play fair and discourages online shenanigans); and
a statement outlining the intellectual property arrangements, and permitted uses of website materials.
There isn't any real doubt plenty of other things which will also end up being included when drafting the terms of service for your blog or website. But this list makes place to get started.
Website Terms and Conditions Templates
Now that you are wondering if it easier to just download some terms of use from somewhere. Well, some quick Googling does reveal a few templates, but it is typically tricky to work out which one for they can vary considerably in what they do. Even then, you have to guarantee that the template you use matches your website. This may require some customization, at least merging a website few different conditions and terms templates.
The real problem is finding a place to start, particularly because drafting website agreements will be really overwhelming. So in preparing the terms of use for one of my websites I decided to help simplify things. To be able to see which of the free website stipulations templates I recommend, then please visit my blog at http://affiliateplayground.net/blogging/website-terms-and-conditions-templates/. Get started today and you'll have the conditions and terms finished for your blog or website before you know it.