Chesapeake Network Terms of Service
All Chesapeake Watershed Network members are responsible for reading and understanding these protocols as a condition of their membership. Violation of these protocols may result in corrective action, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from Chesapeake Watershed Network. Determination of compliance with these protocols is entirely at the discretion of the Chesapeake Watershed Network Chief Administrator (CA).
The Chesapeake Watershed Network may change this agreement at any time. Those changes will be effective immediately upon posting of the modification(s) on the site. Members will agree to review this agreement from time-to-time to make sure that they are aware of any changes. Continued use of www.chesapeakenetwork.org indicates acceptance of the modified agreement.
DemeanorAll community members are expected to maintain a respectful and polite dialogue within the community. Debating about ideas is welcomed and encouraged. Personal attacks are out of bounds. Community members are warned to avoid profanity and debasement of any kind.
In no case will the Chesapeake Watershed Network tolerate harassment or commercial solicitation of its members in any form.
Policy and PoliticsSeeking members’ support or opposition on matters of policy is allowed. This includes bills and other pending actions from legislative and executive branches, as well as ballot measures such as bonds and referenda.
Asking members to support or oppose the campaigns of individuals seeking elected office is forbidden.
PromotionWhile promoting a cause or event related to the mission of Chesapeake Watershed Network is encouraged, promoting an organization, person, electoral campaign, or product is forbidden. Sharing a web link is permitted only in the context of helping to provide resources or information for community members; sharing a web link solely for the promotion of a website or other web presence is forbidden.
Usage of Information, Tools, and ResourcesThe information, tools, and resources provided to Chesapeake Watershed Network members are for the sole purpose of advancing the Chesapeake Watershed Network mission, as stated in the Mission Statement. Usage of any component of the Chesapeake Watershed Network for profit or private gain is strictly forbidden. The above includes contact and organizational information available to Chesapeake Watershed Network members.
Questions about these ProtocolsAny questions about the Chesapeake Watershed Network Community Protocols should be directed to the Chesapeake Watershed Network Chief Administrator. If any user has any doubt about whether they are acting within the Chesapeake Watershed Network protocols, it is that user’s sole responsibility to seek clarification and direction from the Chesapeake Watershed Network Chief Administrator and not to proceed until that communication is complete.
Decision MakingAll determinations of compliance or other issues relating to these protocols are to be made by the Chesapeake Watershed Network Chief Administrator. Decisions of the Chief Administrator may be appealed in writing to the Steering Committee.
The Chesapeake Watershed Network steering committee is:
• Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chair
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• Chesapeake Bay Trust
• Chesapeake NEMO
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Protocol for Corrective MeasuresTo report a violation of the Chesapeake Watershed Network protocols, contact the Chief Administrator by e-mail, stating the exact nature of the violation and the concerned parties.
The Chief Administrator can and will apply the following corrective measures as the Chief Administrator deems appropriate. For minor violations, this is an escalating scale, but the Chief Administrator has the authority to apply any degree of measure in any combination at any time, up to and including immediate suspension and/or expulsion from the Chesapeake Watershed Network.
Warning
- The CA will warn the user that he or she has violated the protocol and that escalating corrective measures will be applied if the violation recurs.
Monitoring
- The user’s activity will be held in a monitoring queue pending the CA’s approval until the CA determines otherwise.
Probation
- The CA will warn the user that they are under probation and any further violations within the probationary period will result in an escalation of corrective measures
Suspension
- The CA will suspend the user’s Chesapeake Watershed Network membership for: a specific period of time; until specific conditions have been met; or any combination thereof
Expulsion
- The CA will permanently ban the user from the Chesapeake Watershed Network community
A written appeals process will be established for the CA’s decisions. The appeal body will be the Steering Committee. The appeals process and protocols will be established in writing pending further communications with GoLightly regarding the exact initial configuration of the Network.
Liability and RelianceIf any person, in the context of the Network or otherwise, commits libel or slander, or breaks the law in any other way, the sponsors and administrators of the Chesapeake Watershed Network are not responsible.
If any person harasses a user, in the context of the Network or otherwise, the sponsors and administrators of the Chesapeake Watershed Network are not responsible.
The Chesapeake Watershed Network is not responsible for any inconveniences or other problems that users may incur due to Network technical problems or changes in tool availability and/or protocols.
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