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--- tos [2025/09/20 23:00] – created n0fuq
+++ tos [2025/09/21 03:43] (current) – update email reference n0fuq
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 **Effective Date: September 21, 2025**
-In the grand tradition of the internet's pioneering spirit—where bytes fly freely and knowledge is shared like a hearty handshake (nod to the whimsical RFC 1226, that cheeky April Fool's gem from 1991 outlining the "Internet Protocol Handshake" for physically exchanging data tapes, [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt])—by accessing, using, or otherwise engaging with the services provided by [Your Name/Entity] (hereinafter referred to as "the Provider," "we," "us," or "our"), including but not limited to internet connectivity, network services, IP address allocation, hardware usage, or any related infrastructure (collectively, the "Services"), you (hereinafter referred to as "the User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (hereinafter referred to as the "ToS"). If you do not agree to these ToS, you must immediately cease all use of the Services—perhaps opting instead for a good old-fashioned sneakernet exchange, as playfully suggested in RFC 1226.
+Welcome to the digital frontier, where bits dance freely and knowledge flows like a well-timed quip. By engaging with the services provided by N0FUQ (hereinafter "the Provider," "we," "us," or "our"), including internet connectivity, network wizardry, IP allocations, hardware access, or related infrastructure (collectively, the "Services"), you (hereinafter "the User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (the "ToS"). If you disagree, kindly step away from the keyboard—perhaps take up carrier pigeon messaging instead.
-These ToS constitute a legally binding agreement between you and the Provider, fostering an environment where learning and experimentation thrive, much like the collaborative ethos of amateur radio and early internet protocols. The Services are provided **free of charge** as our community donation to support the spirit of learning, sharing, and connectivity. However, **no reliability is implied or offered**, and the Services may be **unreliable**, subject to interruptions, or discontinued with little to no notice, as we prioritize community goodwill over guaranteed uptime. The Provider reserves the right to amend, modify, or update these ToS at any time, with changes becoming effective upon posting to our website or notification via email. Your continued use of the Services after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised ToS, continuing our shared journey in the pursuit of knowledge.
+These ToS form a binding agreement, fostering a playground for experimentation and learning, reminiscent of ham radio’s golden days and the internet’s wild youth. The Services are offered **free of charge** as our gift to the community, championing connectivity and discovery. However, **no reliability is promised or implied**, and the Services may hiccup, stall, or vanish without notice, as we prioritize the joy of exploration over guaranteed uptime. We may revise these ToS at any time, with changes effective upon posting or email notification. Continued use means you’re onboard with the updates, ready to surf the waves of innovation.
 ===== 1. Compliance with ARDC End User License Agreement (EULA) =====
-All use of the Services must fully comply with the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) End User License Agreement (EULA), available at [https://portal.ampr.org/download/eula], which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In the event of any conflict between these ToS and the ARDC EULA, the ARDC EULA shall prevail to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with ARDC's requirements for the use of AMPRNet services, IP addresses, DNS, or related infrastructure. By using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the ARDC EULA, and you represent that your activities are in ongoing compliance therewith, including but not limited to permitted uses (e.g., Amateur Radio communications, experimentation, education, and research—embracing the spirit of sharing knowledge as if via a direct "handshake" per RFC 1226, [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt]), prohibited uses (e.g., no commercial purposes, no violations of law, no harmful or disruptive activities), user responsibilities, and cooperation with ARDC.
+All use of the Services must align with the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) End User License Agreement (EULA), found at [[https://portal.ampr.org/download/eula]], incorporated here in full. If these ToS conflict with the ARDC EULA, the EULA takes precedence to ensure compliance with AMPRNet’s rules for IP, DNS, and infrastructure. By using the Services, you confirm you’ve read, understood, and accepted the ARDC EULA, and your activities comply with its terms, including permitted uses (e.g., ham radio, experimentation, education, research) and prohibitions (e.g., no commercial use, illegal activities, or network disruptions).
 ===== 2. Federal First Amendment Compliance and Pre-Emptive Protection =====
-The Provider operates the Services in strict compliance with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and petition [ref:U.S. Constitution, Amendment I]. As a pre-emptive federal blanket protection, these ToS affirm that the Services are provided on a content-neutral basis, without censorship, restriction, or interference with lawful speech or expression, except as required by applicable federal law or to enforce these ToS and the ARDC EULA. This aligns with landmark cases such as **Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)**, where the U.S. Supreme Court clarified that speech advocating illegal action is protected unless it incites imminent lawless action [ref:395 U.S. 444], and **Edwards v. South Carolina (1963)**, affirming protections for peaceful assembly and petition [ref:372 U.S. 229]. The Provider shall not monitor, edit, or disclose user content based on viewpoint, ideology, or opinion, and any enforcement actions shall be limited to violations of law, these ToS, or the ARDC EULA. This provision is intended to invoke the full protections of the First Amendment as a superior federal right, preempting any conflicting state or local regulations to the maximum extent permitted by law, drawing from cases like **McIntyre v. Ohio (1995)** on anonymous speech [ref:514 U.S. 334] and **Sherbert v. Verner (1963)** from South Carolina on free exercise rights [ref:374 U.S. 398]. In the fun spirit of learning, we encourage users to explore these constitutional foundations—perhaps even sharing insights via unconventional means, à la RFC 1226's humorous take on physical data handoffs [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt].
+We operate the Services in strict accordance with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, safeguarding freedom of speech, expression, press, assembly, and petition [[2]]. As a robust federal shield, these ToS ensure the Services remain content-neutral, free from censorship or interference with lawful speech, press, or expression, except as required by federal law or to enforce these ToS and the ARDC EULA. This stance is bolstered by landmark cases like **Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)**, which protects speech unless it incites imminent lawless action [[2]], and **Edwards v. South Carolina (1963)**, upholding peaceful assembly and petition [[2]]. We don’t monitor, edit, or disclose user content based on viewpoints or opinions—enforcement is limited to legal violations, these ToS, or the ARDC EULA. This invokes maximum First Amendment protections, preempting conflicting state or local regulations, drawing from **McIntyre v. Ohio (1995)** on anonymous speech [[2]] and **Sherbert v. Verner (1963)** from South Carolina on free exercise rights [[2]].
+For journalism and code as speech: The First Amendment shields the press from prior restraints, as in **Near v. Minnesota (1931)** [[4]], and requires “actual malice” for defamation claims against media on public issues, per **New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)** [[4]]. Code is speech too—protected for sharing encryption or software, as ruled in **Bernstein v. United States Department of Justice (1996)**, which struck down export controls on code as prior restraint [[0]], and **Junger v. Daley (2000)**, where the Sixth Circuit affirmed encryption code as expressive speech [[5]]. We encourage users to wield code, journalism, and expression boldly—hack the system, share the truth, but keep it legal.
 ===== 3. Protections as a Content-Neutral Service Provider/ISP =====
-The Provider operates as a content-neutral carrier of data, akin to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and claims all immunities and protections available under federal law, including but not limited to **Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230)** [ref:47 U.S.C. § 230]. Under no circumstances shall the Provider be held responsible, liable, or accountable for any actions, content, data, communications, or activities conducted by Users or Sub-Users through the Services. The Provider does not monitor, control, endorse, or assume responsibility for user-generated content, transmissions, or usage. Users bear sole responsibility for their own activities, and the Provider shall not be deemed a publisher, speaker, or distributor of any user content. This immunity extends to all claims, including but not limited to defamation, intellectual property infringement, privacy violations, or illegal activities attributable to Users, as reinforced in cases like **M.P. v. Meta** from South Carolina (applying Section 230 to bar state tort claims against platforms) [ref:M.P. v. Meta, No. 7:22-cv-01717 (D.S.C. 2023)] and general Section 230 applications in Ohio shielding ISPs from subscriber acts [ref:See, e.g., Hill v. StubHub, Inc., 727 F. App'x 168 (6th Cir. 2018)].
+We’re a content-neutral conduit, akin to a maverick ISP, claiming all federal immunities, including **Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230)** [[2]]. We’re not liable for your actions, content, data, communications, or chaos on the Services. We don’t monitor, control, endorse, or take responsibility for user-generated content—you own that. We’re neither publisher nor distributor of your work. This immunity covers claims like defamation, IP infringement, privacy violations, or illegal acts, as seen in South Carolina’s **M.P. v. Meta (2023)**, dismissing tort claims against platforms [[2]], and Ohio’s **Hill v. StubHub, Inc. (2018)**, shielding ISPs from user actions [[2]].
-The Provider's hardware, infrastructure, and equipment (located in Ohio) are protected under these ToS. Users agree not to tamper with, access without authorization, or otherwise interfere with the Provider's equipment—lest we resort to RFC 1226-style manual interventions for troubleshooting [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt]! Any such interference may result in immediate termination of Services and pursuit of legal remedies. As a free community service, we remind you that the Services may be **unreliable or subject to downtime** with little to no notice, as our focus is on fostering knowledge-sharing, not guaranteeing uptime.
+Our hardware and infrastructure, located in Ohio, are protected under these ToS. Tampering or unauthorized access to our equipment will result in immediate termination and potential legal action—don’t test our resolve. As a free community service, the Services may be **unreliable or subject to downtime** without notice, as we focus on fostering knowledge over flawless performance.
 ===== 4. Permitted Uses =====
-You may use the Services only for lawful, non-commercial purposes consistent with the ARDC EULA, including Amateur Radio activities, experimentation, education, and research. All uses must comply with federal, state, and local laws, including those in your locality and the Provider's locations (South Carolina and Ohio). Embrace the spirit of learning and sharing—whether digitally or through a playful "handshake protocol" as easter-egged in RFC 1226—to foster innovation and community [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt]. These Services are offered **free of charge** as our gift to the community, but with **no implied or offered reliability**, and interruptions may occur without notice.
+Use the Services only for lawful, non-commercial purposes aligned with the ARDC EULA, such as ham radio activities, experimentation, education, and research. You must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws in your jurisdiction, as well as those governing our operations in South Carolina and Ohio. Embrace the spirit of learning and connectivity, but note the Services are **free with no reliability guaranteed**, and interruptions may occur without warning.
 ===== 5. Prohibited Uses =====
-In addition to the prohibitions outlined in the ARDC EULA, you agree not to use the Services for:
+In addition to ARDC EULA restrictions, you may not use the Services for:
-  * Any illegal activity under federal, state, or local law in your jurisdiction or the Provider's jurisdictions (South Carolina and Ohio).
+  * Illegal activities under federal, state, or local laws in your jurisdiction or ours (South Carolina, Ohio).
-  * Commercial purposes, selling, leasing, or monetizing the Services without prior written authorization.
+  * Commercial purposes, selling, leasing, or monetizing without our written consent.
-  * Activities that violate the rights of others, including intellectual property infringement, harassment, or harm to minors.
+  * Violating others’ rights, including intellectual property infringement, harassment, or harm to minors.
-  * Introducing malware, viruses, or engaging in disruptive behaviors such as denial-of-service attacks.
+  * Introducing malware, viruses, or engaging in disruptive acts like denial-of-service attacks.
-  * Any use that overloads, damages, or impairs the Services or the Provider's equipment.
+  * Overloading, damaging, or impairing the Services or our equipment.
-These restrictions align with First Amendment boundaries, as seen in Ohio's **Bey v. Rasawehr (2020)** on speech regulations [ref:2020-Ohio-3301] and South Carolina's **NAACP v. Kohn (2023)** on data collection under free speech protections [ref:No. 2:23-cv-02525 (D.S.C. 2023)].
+These boundaries align with First Amendment limits, as in Ohio’s **Bey v. Rasawehr (2020)** on speech restrictions [[2]] and South Carolina’s **NAACP v. Kohn (2023)** on data collection under free speech protections [[2]].
 ===== 6. User Responsibilities and No Expectation of Privacy =====
-You are solely responsible for your use of the Services, including compliance with all applicable laws and these ToS. You must provide accurate information upon request, including contact details and intended uses, and promptly notify the Provider of any changes.
+You’re solely responsible for your use of the Services, including compliance with these ToS and all applicable laws in your jurisdiction, whether federal, state, or local, as well as those in South Carolina and Ohio, where we operate. You must provide accurate information upon request (e.g., contact details, intended uses) and promptly notify us of changes. Users are expected to uphold all jurisdictional and applicable laws governing their activities, ensuring compliance with the legal frameworks of their locality, including but not limited to federal regulations, state statutes, and local ordinances, in addition to the laws of South Carolina and Ohio where N0FUQ operates.
-**Implied Warning on Privacy and Data Trails:** While the Provider connects Users to the Services and may maintain logs solely for personal data analysis (e.g., network performance optimization), there is **no expectation of privacy** in your use of the Services. All online activities leave data crumbs, trails, and metadata that can be traced, analyzed, or subpoenaed by authorities. Do not use the Services for any illegal activities in your locality or elsewhere, as the power of metadata and digital forensics should not be underestimated—such activities can be detected, investigated, and prosecuted regardless of perceived anonymity. The Provider may cooperate with law enforcement or comply with legal orders without notice to you, including disclosure of logs or data. Remember, in the fun vein of RFC 1226, even physical handshakes leave traces—digital ones are no different [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt]!
-If you provide access to the Services to any third party (a "Sub-User"), you assume full responsibility and liability for their actions unless they independently accept these ToS and register with the Provider. You must monitor Sub-Users for compliance and report violations promptly, all in the collaborative spirit of knowledge-sharing. As a free service, we reiterate that the Services may experience **unreliability or downtime** without prior notice.
+**Privacy Notice and Data Reality:** We collect no logs or personal data—our word is our bond, no corporate snooping here. But a word to the wise: if you’re not paying for a product, you’re often the product. Not with us—we’re not harvesting your data for profit. Still, there’s **no expectation of privacy** on the Services. Online activities leave digital footprints—metadata, traces, crumbs—that can be tracked or subpoenaed. Don’t use the Services for illegal activities; digital forensics are relentless, and we may comply with legal orders without notice. If you share access with “Sub-Users,” you’re liable for their actions unless they independently accept these ToS. Monitor them, report violations, and keep the community spirit alive. As a free service, **unreliability is par for the course**, with potential downtime and no advance warning.
 ===== 7. Term and Termination =====
-These ToS commence upon your acceptance and continue indefinitely unless terminated. The Provider may terminate or suspend your access at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including violations of these ToS or the ARDC EULA. Upon termination, you must immediately cease using the Services—back to basics, perhaps with a RFC 1226-inspired tape exchange for your data needs [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt]. Given the free nature of this community donation, the Services may also be discontinued or interrupted with little to no notice due to **potential unreliability**.
+These ToS take effect upon your acceptance and continue until terminated. We may suspend or terminate your access at any time, with or without notice, for violations of these ToS or the ARDC EULA. Upon termination, cease using the Services—perhaps revert to smoke signals. Given the free nature of the Services, they may be **discontinued or interrupted** with minimal notice due to inherent unreliability.
 ===== 8. Disclaimer of Warranties =====
-The Services are provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. The Provider does not guarantee uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation. As a **free community service**, we explicitly state that **no reliability is implied or offered**, and the Services may go down or be unavailable with little to no notice, prioritizing our commitment to the exploratory joy of learning over consistent uptime.
+The Services are provided “as is” and “as available,” with no warranties—express, implied, or otherwise, including fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. We don’t guarantee uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation. As a **free community offering**, we emphasize **no reliability is implied or offered**, and downtime may strike without warning, prioritizing the thrill of discovery over steadfast uptime.
 ===== 9. Limitation of Liability =====
-To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Provider, its affiliates, and agents shall not be liable for any damages arising from your use of the Services, including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, even if advised of the possibility thereof. This is consistent with Section 230 protections, as applied in South Carolina tort cases [ref:See, e.g., Doe v. Internet Brands, Inc., No. 2:12-cv-03626 (D.S.C. 2014)].
+To the fullest extent permitted by law, we, our affiliates, and agents are not liable for any damages—direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive—arising from your use of the Services, even if warned. This aligns with Section 230 protections, as in South Carolina’s **Doe v. Internet Brands, Inc. (2014)** [[2]].
 ===== 10. Indemnification =====
-You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Provider, its officers, agents, and affiliates from any claims, losses, or damages arising from your violation of these ToS, the ARDC EULA, or your use of the Services, including Sub-User actions—ensuring we can all focus on sharing knowledge freely.
+You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Provider, its officers, agents, and affiliates from claims, losses, or damages arising from your violation of these ToS, the ARDC EULA, or your use of the Services, including Sub-User actions, so we can keep the knowledge-sharing flame burning.
 ===== 11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction =====
-These ToS shall be governed by the laws of the United States and the State of South Carolina, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the federal or state courts located in South Carolina. You waive any objections to jurisdiction or venue. For Ohio-specific hardware protections, federal preemption applies, drawing from cases like **Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)** [ref:395 U.S. 444].
+These ToS are governed by U.S. federal law and South Carolina law, without regard to conflict of law principles. Disputes must be resolved exclusively in South Carolina’s federal or state courts, and you waive objections to jurisdiction or venue. For Ohio-based hardware, federal preemption applies, drawing from **Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)** [[2]].
 ===== 12. Arbitration =====
-Any disputes arising from these ToS shall be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association in South Carolina, applying federal and South Carolina law. By agreeing to these ToS, you waive the right to litigate in court and agree to arbitration as the sole remedy—keeping things civil in our shared quest for enlightenment.
+Disputes arising from these ToS will be resolved through binding arbitration under the American Arbitration Association’s rules in South Carolina, applying federal and South Carolina law. By agreeing, you waive court litigation, opting for arbitration to keep disputes civil and focused on our shared quest for knowledge.
 ===== 13. Miscellaneous =====
-  * **Severability:** If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.
+  * **Severability:** If a provision is invalid, the rest endure.
-  * **No Waiver:** Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver.
+  * **No Waiver:** Failure to enforce doesn’t waive rights.
-  * **Assignment:** You may not assign these ToS without the Provider's written consent; the Provider may assign freely.
+  * **Assignment:** You can’t assign these ToS without our consent; we can assign freely.
-  * **Force Majeure:** Neither party is liable for delays due to events beyond control.
+  * **Force Majeure:** No liability for delays beyond control.
-  * **Entire Agreement:** These ToS, incorporating the ARDC EULA, constitute the entire agreement, infused with the spirit of RFC 1226's lighthearted approach to connectivity [ref:https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt].
+  * **Entire Agreement:** These ToS, plus the ARDC EULA, form the complete agreement, infused with a dash of digital wit.
 ===== References =====
-  * U.S. Constitution, Amendment I.
+  * [[2]] U.S. Constitution, Amendment I.
-  * RFC 1226: Internet Protocol Handshake (IPH) – [https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1226.txt] (for inspirational, humorous references to knowledge sharing).
+  * [[2]] Key Cases:
-  * Key Cases:
     * Brandenburg v. Ohio, 395 U.S. 444 (1969).
     * McIntyre v. Ohio, 514 U.S. 334 (1995).
@@ Line 90: / Line 89: @@
     * Doe v. Internet Brands, Inc., No. 2:12-cv-03626 (D.S.C. 2014).
     * Hill v. StubHub, Inc., 727 F. App'x 168 (6th Cir. 2018).
-  * Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230).
+  * [[4]] Key Cases:
+    * Near v. Minnesota, 283 U.S. 697 (1931).
+    * New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964).
+  * [[0]] Bernstein v. United States Department of Justice, 922 F. Supp. 1426 (N.D. Cal. 1996).
+  * [[5]] Junger v. Daley, 209 F.3d 481 (6th Cir. 2000).
+  * [[2]] Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230).
-By using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these ToS. For questions, contact [Your Email/Contact]. Let's keep the spirit of learning alive—handshake optional, but reliability not guaranteed!
+By using the Services, you confirm you’ve read, understood, and agree to these ToS. Questions? Reach out at {{n0fuqemail.png}}. Let’s keep the digital campfire burning—reliability’s overrated!

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