Edge3 - Terms of Service - Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

By using our web hosting services, you agree to comply with our policies. You are expected to use the Internet with respect, courtesy, and responsibility, giving due regard to the rights of other Internet users. We expect you to have a basic knowledge of how the Internet functions, the types of uses which are generally acceptable, and the types of uses which are to be avoided. Common sense is the best guide as to what is considered acceptable use. The following are unacceptable uses:

Illegality in any form, including but not limited to activities such as unauthorized distribution or copying of copyrighted software, violation of U.S. export restrictions, harassment, fraud, trafficking in obscene material, drug dealing, and other illegal activities.

Interpretation

The provisions of this Policy are intended as guidelines and are not meant to be exhaustive. Generally, conduct that violates law, regulation, or the accepted norms of the Internet community, whether or not expressly mentioned in this Policy, is prohibited. Edge3 reserves the right at all times to prohibit activities that damage its commercial reputation and goodwill.

Illegal Use

Edge3 servers may be used only for lawful purposes. Transmission, distribution or storage of any material in violation of any applicable law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, without limitation, material protected by copyright, trademark, trade secret or other intellectual property right used without proper authorization, and material that is obscene, defamatory, constitutes an illegal threat, or violates export control laws. Examples of non-acceptable content or links: "Pirated software", "Hackers programs or archives", "Warez Sites", "Irc Bots", "Mp3".

We will be the sole arbiters as to what constitutes a violation of this provision.

System and Network Security

Violations of system or network security are prohibited, and may result in criminal and civil liability. Examples include, but are not limited to the following: unauthorized access, use, probe, or scan of a systems security or authentication measures, data or traffic. Interference with service to any user, host or network including, without limitation, mail bombing, flooding, deliberate attempts to overload a system and broadcast attacks. Forging of any TCP-IP packet header or any part of the header information in an e-mail or a newsgroup posting.

It is a violation for anyone who, including but not limited to, employs posts or programs which consume excessive CPU time or storage space, permits the use of mail services, mail forwarding capabilities, POP accounts, or auto responders other than for their own account; or resale of access to CGI scripts installed on our servers.

Tortuous Conduct

No one shall post defamatory, scandalous, or private information about a person without their consent, intentionally inflicting emotional distress, or violating trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights.

Spamming

We have a zero tolerance policy on SPAM. If you send unsolicited email messages, commonly known as SPAM, your account WILL be terminated, NO exceptions.

Sending unsolicited mail messages, including, without limitation, commercial advertising and informational announcements, is expressly prohibited. A user shall not use another site's mail server to relay mail without the express permission of the site or distributing, advertising or promoting software or services that have the primary purpose of encouraging or facilitating unsolicited commercial E-mail or spam.

It is contrary to Edge3 policy for customers to use our servers to effect or participate in any of the following activities:

To post to any Usenet or other newsgroup, forum, e-mail mailing list or other similar group or list articles which are off-topic according to the charter or other owner-published FAQ or description of the group or list;

To send unsolicited mass e-mailings, if such unsolicited e-mailings provoke complaints from the recipients;

To engage in any of the foregoing activities using the service of another provider, but channeling such activities through a Edge3 provided server, or using a Edge3. provided server as a mail drop for responses;

To falsify user information provided to Edge3. or to other users of the service in connection with use of a Edge3 service.

When Edge3 becomes aware of an alleged violation of its Acceptable Use Policy, Edge3. may initiate an investigation (within 24-48 hours). During the investigation Edge3 may restrict Customer’s access in order to prevent further possible unauthorized activity. If the Customer is found in violation of our SPAM policy, Edge3 may, at its sole discretion, restrict, suspend, or terminate Customer's account and/or pursue other civil remedies. Also, Edge3 reserves the right to pursue civil remedies for any costs associated with the investigation of a substantiated policy violation. If such violation is a criminal offense, Edge3 will notify the appropriate law enforcement department of such violation.

Edge3 does not issue service credits for any outages incurred through service disablement resulting from Policy violations.

The Customer shall be held liable for any and all costs incurred by Edge3 as a result of the customer's violation of these terms and conditions. This is including, but is not limited to, attorney fees and costs resulting from Postmaster responses to complaints from and the cleanup of unsolicited commercial mailings and/or unauthorized bulk mailings and/or news server violations. First violations will result in a Cleanup Fee of $250 and the customer’s account will be reviewed for possible immediate termination. A second violation will result in Cleanup Fee of $500 and immediate termination of the customer’s account. The Customer who violates this policy agrees to also pay Investigation Fees of no more than $125 per hour that Edge3 personnel must spend to investigate any violations.

Modification

Edge3 reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any provision of this Policy at any time without notice.

Reporting Network Abuse

Any party seeking to report any violations Edge3 policy may contact via our support page.

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Edge3 - Customer Service Agreement

This is an agreement between you and Edge3. Edge3 regarding your use of Edge3 computer, interactive information, communication and server management service. This Agreement governs the terms and conditions under which Edge3 makes the services offered by Edge3 available to individual consumers through a personal computer or similar access, or to individual consumers or small businesses in connection with the "Edge3" web hosting or similar services. Under this Agreement, you must comply with Edge3's then current "Acceptable Use Policy," as updated from time to time by Edge3, which can be viewed at: http://www.edge3.com/terms.php

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY.

1. Edge3 will host an account for you, the purchaser (hereafter referred to as the Account Holder), for the Account Holder's chosen domain name, for the period of time (the Term) corresponding with the payment plan chosen by the Account Holder. This contract will be automatically renewed at the end of the Term and each successive renewal term, unless terminated. We require notification of non-renewal with at least 30 days notice but not more than 60 days prior to the renewal date. You must have all account information to cancel and submit a support ticket. If you do not provide this notice, you will be charged for the next terms rate. There are no refunds on any service we provide.

2. Edge3's services are provided on an as is, as available basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. Edge3 expressly disclaims any representation or warranty that the Edge3 services will be error-free, secure or uninterrupted. No oral advice or written information given by Edge3, its employees, licensors of the like, will create a warranty; nor may you rely on any such information or advice. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

3. The Virtual Web Server Internet account and/or related electronic services can only be used for legal purposes under all applicable international, federal, provincial, and municipal laws. Further, the Account Holder agrees not to store, transmit, link to, advertise or make available any images containing pornography, graphic violence or death. Violations of these or any other provisions of this Agreement may result in termination of the services provided by Edge3, with or without the grant of a notice or cure period, such notice or cure period to be granted at the sole discretion of Edge3, Inc. based upon the severity of the violation. Edge3 reserves the right to refuse service if any of the content within, or any links from, the Account Holder's website is deemed illegal, misleading, or obscene, or is otherwise in breach of Edge3's then current Acceptable Use Policy, in the sole and absolute opinion of Edge3. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, the content of the Account Holder's website is the sole responsibility of the Account Holder. The Account Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Edge3 from any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments, or settlements, including reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and other expenses incurred by Edge3, (collectively, Claims) related to or in connection with the content of the Account Holder's website. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

4. Account Holder acknowledges that the nature of the service furnished and the initial rates and charges have been communicated to the Account Holder. Account Holder is aware that Edge3 reserves the right to change the specified rates and charges from time to time.

5. The Account Holder agrees to follow generally accepted rules of "Netiquette" when sending e-mail messages or posting to newsgroups. Account Holder is responsible for security of its password. Edge3 will not change passwords to any account without proof of identification, which is satisfactory to Edge3, which may include written authorization with signature. In the event of any partnership break-up, divorce or other legal problems that includes Account Holder, Account Holder understands that Edge3 will remain neutral and may put the account on hold until the situation has been resolved. Under no circumstances will Edge3 be liable for any losses incurred by Account Holder during this time of determination of ownership, or otherwise. The Account Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Edge3 from any and all Claims arising from such ownership disputes. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

6. The Account Holder agrees not to harm Edge3, its reputation, computer systems, programming and/or other persons using Edge3's services. Edge3 reserves the right to select the server for Account Holder's website for best performance. The Account Holder understands that the services provided by Edge3 are provided on a shared server. This means that one website cannot be permitted to overwhelm the server with heavy CPU usage, for example from the use of highly active CGI scripts or chat scripts. If the Account Holder's website overwhelms the server and causes complaints from other users, the Account Holder has outgrown the realm of shared servers, and will need to relocate it's website. Edge3 will refund any unused portion of prepaid services. If the Account Holder refuses to comply with this Section, then Edge3 has the right to terminate the services provided to the Account Holder without any refunds of the unused portion prepaid by the Account Holder. The Account Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Edge3 and any other Account Holder from any and all Claims resulting from the Account Holder's use of the services provided by Edge3. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

7. The Account Holder's rights and privileges under this Agreement cannot be sold or transferred without the prior written consent of Edge3.

8. If the Account Holder sells or resells advertising or web space to a third party then the Account Holder will be responsible for the contents of that advertising and the actions of that third party. Edge3 has the absolute right to reject any advertising or other third party content that is illegal, offensive or otherwise in breach of the then current Edge3 Acceptable Use Policy. The e-mail distribution by the Account Holder of "SPAM", "JUNK MAIL", or "UNSOLICITED COMMERCIAL E-MAIL", is expressly prohibited. If the Account Holder refuses to remove any advertising or other third party content deemed objectionable by Edge3, Edge3 may terminate the services being provided to the Account Holder.

9. Edge3 will use its best efforts to maintain a full time Internet presence for the Account Holder. The Account Holder hereby acknowledges that the network may, at various time intervals, be down due, but not restricted to, utility interruption, equipment failure, natural disaster, acts of God, or human error. In no event shall Edge3 be liable to the Account Holder for any damages resulting from or related to any failure or delay of Edge3 in providing access to the Internet under this Agreement. In no event shall Edge3 be liable to the Account Holder for any indirect, special or consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or related to this Agreement or the performance or breach thereof. The aggregate, total liability of Edge3 under this Agreement, if any, shall in no event or circumstance exceed the total amount actually paid by the Account Holder hereunder. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

10. This Agreement applies to all accounts, sub-accounts, and alternative account names associated with your principal account. The Account Holder is responsible for the use of each account, whether used under any name or by any person, and for ensuring full compliance with this Agreement by all users of that account. An Edge3 account may not be transferred without prior written approval from Edge3. The Account Holder is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of his/her password. In the event of a breach of security through the Account Holder's account, the Account Holder will be liable for any unauthorized use of the Edge3 services, including any damages resulting there from, until the Account Holder notifies Edge3's customer service.

11. If Edge3 assigns the Account Holder an Internet Protocol address in connection with the Account Holder's use of the Edge3 services, the right to use that Internet Protocol address will remain with and belong only to Edge3, and the Account Holder will have no right to use that Internet Protocol address except as allowed by Edge3. in its sole and absolute discretion.

12. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Account Holder and Edge3 with respect to the Edge3 services and supersedes all prior agreements between the Account Holder and Edge3. Edge3's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any provision or right. In the event that a portion of this Agreement is held unenforceable, the unenforceable portion will be construed in accordance with applicable law as nearly as possible to reflect the original intentions of the parties, and the remainder of the provisions will remain in full force and effect. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

13. The parties shall attempt to resolve all disputes arising out of this Agreement in a spirit of cooperation and with a problem-solving mind set, without formal proceedings. Any dispute, which cannot be so resolved, shall be subject to binding arbitration upon the written demand of either party. Arbitration shall take place in Cook County, Illinois, USA. Should any legal action permissible under this Agreement be instituted to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in particular the right to collect money due on unpaid invoices, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and expenses incurred at both the trial and appellate levels. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

14. The Account Holder agrees to indemnify and hold Edge3 harmless from any and all Claims resulting from or connected with any activities conducted by the Account Holder. The Account Holder and Edge3 will promptly notify the other upon receipt of any Claim or legal action arising out of activities conducted pursuant to this Agreement. The rights and responsibilities established in this paragraph will survive any termination of this Agreement.

15. Edge3 may include the Account Holder's name and contact information in directories of Edge3 service subscribers for the purpose promoting the use of the services by additional potential clients.

16. The interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed according the laws of the state of Illinois (excluding its choice of law rules) and the federal laws of United States applicable therein. The Account Holder hereby consents to personal jurisdiction in the federal and provincial courts of Cook County, Illinois for any action arising out of or relating to the Account Holder's use of the Edge3 services. The federal and provincial courts of Cook County, Illinois will have exclusive jurisdiction over all such actions. In any such action, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover all legal expenses incurred in connection with the action, including but not limited to its costs, both taxable and non-taxable, and reasonable attorney's fees. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

17. Notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered either by personal delivery or by mail. If delivered by mail, notices shall be sent by any express mail service; or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested; with all postage and charges prepaid. All notices and other written communications under this Agreement shall be addressed to the individuals in the capacities indicated below, or as specified by subsequent written notice delivered by the party whose address has changed.

18. Because the Internet is a global communication tool, and we have clients from nearly every country in the world it is difficult to dictate what is considered "adult material." However, it is not our function to discriminate against those who choose to utilize adult content or adult related material. This being said, there are still several reasons why Edge3 has been forced to create its no adult sites policy for its virtual server users.

19. Edge3 does not issue a refund if account is cancelled.

20. Edge3 may temporarily deny service or terminate this Agreement upon the failure of Account Holder to pay charges when they become due. Such termination or denial will not relieve the Account Holder of responsibility for the payment of all accrued charges, plus reasonable interest and any collection fees.

21. If an account holder's account becomes overdue, the account will be suspended. Interest will accrue on the overdue account at a rate of 5% per month until the outstanding balance is paid in full.

22. If an account holder charges back for services rendered, a $50.00 charge back fee will be added to the amount charged back by the customer.

23. If an account holder's account is overdue for 90 days, the account will be handed over to an outside collection agency. At that time the account holder will incur a $50.00 collection fee added to the balance previously due.

24. All accounts are subject to verification.

25. You agree that Edge3 may establish limits concerning use of any Edge3 service offered on any Edge3 web site, including without limitation the maximum number of days that e-mail messages will be retained by any Edge3 service, the maximum number of e-mail messages that may be sent from or received by an account on any Edge3 service, the maximum size of an e-mail message that may be sent from or received by an account on any Edge3 service, the maximum disk space that will be allotted on Edge3's servers on your behalf either cumulatively or for any particular service. You agree that Edge3 has no responsibility or liability for the deletion, corruption or failure to store any messages or other content maintained or transmitted by any Edge3 service. You acknowledge that the features, parameters (for example, the amount of storage available to users) or existence of any Edge3 service may change at any time.

26. What does Edge3 consider "Adult Material?"

Any site whose revenue is gained in part or whole from its adult content.

Photos or videos showing frontal nudity on either men or women for non-scientific or non-artistic purposes.

Photos or videos showing graphic violence, death or dismemberment.

Photos or videos showing graphic violence or death.

Revenue-generating hyperlinks to sites who violate policy #1.

Why does Edge3 have this policy?

27. Edge3 does not offer any uptime service guarantee, does not offer credits for downtime and does not offer refunds.

28. Edge3 may terminate this agreement without cause and without refund at any time. We reserve the right to decide what content may be stored and hosted on our servers.

29. We only host websites for US based businesses. We will not accept customer business from outside the USA.

30. Bandwidth and Resources
A virtual server is a shared environment where many servers reside on each particular machine. This being said, consider that an average "adult site" gets more hits than 100 standard websites. Some of the smaller adult sites get around 5 GB of transfer per day. With these types of resources being utilized, our servers would be severely slowed if we allowed these high traffic sites to also reside on our servers. On top of that, we would be forced to raise our prices to pay for the additional bandwidth. We strive to keep our servers fast and inexpensive, and our bandwidth clear; therefore, adult sites are not an option.

31. Edge3 reserves the right to decide what it considers "adult content", "adult material", "sexually explicit", or "sexually related". Let us know if you are unsure of the approval of your site before placing an order.

32. The term "Unlimited" used throughout this website should not be considered the ability to host so many domains, email accounts or other resources or services as to have a negative impact on any of our servers or resources. "Unlimited" specifically means you can use as many of a number within your allotted disk space and data transfer. "Unlimited" does NOT include unlimited disk space or data transfer.