General
APCO hosts open and closed forums as well as several list serves. This statement applies to these and any others that APCO may host.

Disclaimer
The views represented here are not necessarily those of APCO. Further, APCO strongly urges that all participants keep in mind that the information here is from other participants. Inclusion of information in a message should not be construed as an endorsement by APCO of that information, the person submitting it, or the material submitted. Opinions or points of view expressed in a message are those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of APCO. Also, APCO cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of information contained in web sites not housed by APCO that are cited in a message.

Indemnification
User hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless APCO, its agents, employees, successors and assigns, from and against any and all liability, actions, demands, losses, damages (including without limitation direct, indirect, actual, general, incidental, special, lost profits, or consequential), injuries, costs, expenses (including attorney fees and court costs), or claims of any and every kind whatsoever, paid, incurred, or suffered by, or asserted against, APCO, its agents, employees, successors and assigns, arising out of, or associated in any manner with User's violation of any term of this Disclaimer or User's use or misuse of this forum due to User's inadvertence, negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, intentional actions, or any breach whatsoever of any term of this Disclaimer, and shall reimburse and fully pay APCO for any such loss and expenses. If requested by APCO, User shall assume without expense or cost to APCO, the defense of any such claims or actions.

Copyright
The text of a copyrighted article or document may not be reprinted on a forum or website without the permission of the author or the publisher. If one has permission, it should be so stated: "This article has been reprinted with the permission of ..." Or, rather than reprinting an article that is available on-line, consider posting a brief abstract and a link to the site. Even when a document is in the public domain or only a small portion is being reproduced, it is a professional courtesy to cite the source.

Advertising
Commercial advertising on forums is prohibited.

Commercial advertising by vendors and other subscribers on APCO-sponsored forums is defined as posting messages the principal purpose of which is to promote, directly or indirectly, goods or services offered in exchange for money, goods, or services. Inappropriate messages may include, but are not limited to, those that include promotional announcements, product-related press releases, pricing information, employment, or specific referrals to websites or other media to complete sales transactions.

While vendors may respond privately or publicly to postings inquiring about or pertaining to products and services that they offer, their public responses cannot violate the terms in this forum policy. Unsolicited messages containing vendor or product information should not be posted, nor should email addresses obtained from APCO forums be used to send unsolicited commercial messages directly to forum subscribers.

For the purposes of this policy, the content of signature files (URLs, slogans, etc.) is not automatically considered advertising, unless it appears that the use of the signature file is intended to subvert the intent of this policy.

Policies
Below is a list of policies all members are expected to follow. Infractions of these policies may result in warnings or removal. By your participation in this forum, you agree to follow the policies and procedures described herein.

APCO reserves the right to delete or stop the posting of any message for any or no reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless APCO, and their agents with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s).

APCO also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or whatever information we know about you) in the event of a complaint or legal action arising from any message posted by you.

This forum is an un-moderated forum. The messages are not pre-screened before they are posted to the forum. However, there are certain policies that must be followed.

User agrees, represents, and warrants that use of this forum is for lawful purposes only. User agrees, represents, and warrants that, in connection with the use of this forum, User will not engage in any unlawful conduct or communication or otherwise engage in any conduct or communication prohibited by the terms of this Disclaimer.

User uses the forum at their own risk and acknowledges that the forum is provided on "as is" and "as available" basis, with no representations of any kind by APCO that the forum will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, accurate, or reliable.

User shall not use the forum in any manner which would violate or infringe upon the rights of others or which would be unlawful, conspiring, threatening, abusive, harassing, fraudulent, libelous, defamatory, invasive of public or private rights, vulgar, obscene, hateful, harassing, indecent, or otherwise objectionable or which encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to a civil liability or violate any other law, including without limitation, state and federal antitrust laws. With respect to the antitrust laws, messages should not be posted if they encourage or facilitate members to arrive at any agreement which either expressly or impliedly leads to price fixing, a boycott of another's business, or other conduct which is intended to illegally restrict free trade.

Absolutely no posting of 'flames' or other personal attacks of any kind. Generally, references to race, ethnicity, creed, or gender preference are not appropriate. Personal attacks are strictly prohibited.

Messages of a specific religious or political view are not to be posted to a forum.

The forum is intended for positive support. It is not a forum for public admonishment. Great care should be taken even privately e-mailing negative comments to members.

Posting of your own information is acceptable, but not recommended. The information referred to here are street addresses and phone numbers - and private e-mail addresses of third parties.

The simple facts are that the information here can be utilized in ways we do not intend. We read often how 'con-artists' have taken advantage of individuals or groups - don't give them an opportunity here.

No posting of last names of a third party. Please respect the privacy of others and expect the same from them.

No solicitations for cash or fundraisers. You can ask for prayers, cards, e-mails, good wishes, etc. Help of a financial nature SHOULD NOT be handled here.

Most of the above restrictions do not apply to private e-mails between individuals. However, e-mail is no more private than the US Mail. Just as paper letters can be intercepted, so can electronic ones. Sending medical information, even via private' e-mail about a 3rd party would still, technically, be in violation of HIPAA.