A sample upload policy statement for a BBS. This information has been compiled from various commercial online services. It is NOT intended to be used as a legal document.
I just believe these are good policies to follow.
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UPLOADING TO (Your BBS Name) FILE LIBRARIES
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BEFORE YOU UPLOAD
Make a reasonable check before uploading to determine the file is not already
in the (Your BBS Name) Libraries. Using search words is reasonable. If a file
name or description seems similar to your upload, the file size will give you a
clue without needing to download and check.
ACCEPTABLE FILE FORMATS
All file types are acceptable, but remember, the most popular files are the
ones that come in generic file types such as GIF, PNTG, EPSF, PICT, TEXT, TIFF,
DXF, SCRN, PICs, MooV, self-running, etc. If you create your own files it is
best to save in one of these generic formats if your software permits it. If
the Sysop does not have the proprietary software to view specific formats they
may not get released as all files must be checked beforehand.
Do NOT upload the same file in separate file multiple formats or one file
stuffed together. Downloaders have the tools to make their own conversions. Use
your best judgement as to the best format to upload.
FILE COMPRESSION
Use CompactPro compression utility to compress ALL file types. We prefer this
over StuffIt or any other compression utilities. In addition, feel free to use
any self-extracting compressed format you like.
Compress files that are greater than 20K and less than 40K if better than 20%
compression can be obtained. Compress all files over 40K or of any size if
combining files. There are exceptions.
Do not compress GIF files of any size as they are already in a compressed
format. Another reason is that GIF files can be shared by all computer types.
Do not compress QuickTime movies unless greater than 10% compression can be
obtained.
Do not compress QuickTime JPEGed PICT files.
Do not compress TEXT only files under 32K.
Upload files singlely unless they are part of a recognizable set. Collections
of files, even of a single theme, are not popular with downloaders. The single
biggest advantage of a telecommunications service over a PD Disk Library
distribution is that users can download the exact file they want without having
to take excess baggage. Collections ultimately cause users to have to download
duplicates. Also, one bad unacceptable file in a collection could be the
proverbial "bad apple that spoils the bushel" and prevents all from being
released.
COPYRIGHT POLICY
(Your BBS Name) is a distribution medium. We carry content provided by our
members and distributed to our members. When approached by the holder of a
copyright, we will hide a file pending proof of ownership of the copyright and
discussion of its release. If after investigation we find that there is a basis
for the complaint we will remove the file from (Your BBS Name).
WHAT YOU MAY (AND MAY NOT) UPLOAD
You may upload pictures, art files, clip art, QuickTime movies, PICs
animations, applications, desk accessories, inits, cdevs, fonts, etc. that are
public domain, freeware, or shareware.
Please be advised that file that resides on local BBSes, other national online
services or is published on disks and CD ROMs by companies or user groups does
not guarantee it is public domain, freeware, or shareware.
If you do not know the original source and author, or do not know for sure
whether files are public domain, freeware, shareware or not copyrighted, we
prefer that you do NOT upload the file.
You may upload copyright files if you are the copyright holder or present
written proof from the copyright holder permitting the upload.
Do NOT upload copyrighted files or images from copyrighted publications without
permission. Uploading such may be a federal violation of copyright laws.
Uploaders of same are wholly responsible for any repercussions stemming from
the release of such image files.
What is a copyrighted publication? To be very clear, PLAYBOY magazine is a
copyrighted publication. Check the fine print. All publications have them.
Do NOT upload screen capture images or QuickTime movies of copyrighted
commercial theatrical films, music videos or TV shows.
Do NOT upload Patrick Nagel files copied or derived.
Do NOT upload files using trademarks of companies. Examples of trademarks:
Playboy, Playmate, Post-it Note (3M Company) without written permission.
Do NOT upload scans of copyrighted cartoons.
Do NOT redraw copyrighted cartoon images or use them in derivate work claimed
as your own and upload them.
Do NOT upload computer generated and distributed commercial clip art or any
derivative or modification of commercial clip art.
Do NOT alter and re-upload files that are already online.
Do NOT upload files that violate (Your BBS Name) Terms of Service.
To paraphrase the above, if it is not your file or if you do not have
permission from the author or copyright holder and it is not public domain,
