Terms and Conditions for Use of Global Early Intervention Network

Please read carefully:

Network access is being provided to you as part of a research and service project involving communication on the Internet. We are very pleased to bring this access to you and believe the network will offer unique resources to the participants. Our purpose in providing this service to parents and professionals in early intervention is to promote understanding by facilitating communication, problem solving, and peer support.

Smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to accept. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a Global Early Intervention Network (GEIN) participant violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated.

1. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the goals of the GEIN. Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

2. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required.

3. Lack of use of your network account may result in cancellation of your account. Each account consumes valuable resources, and the vitality of the network depends on the active participation of its users.

4. You are expected to abide by the rules of our network. These include (but are not limited to) the following: 

  • Be careful about what you say about others. Do not provide names (or other identifying information, such as addresses) which might lead to the identification of non-project participants, such as children, parents, or colleagues.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of the on-line discussions. Do not share the content of messages with non-project participants. Do not reproduce or retransmit the messages.
  • Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
  • Although the network has a high level of security, your electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. The research team who operates the system has access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
  • Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users. Disruptive uses for example are: "chain letters" or sales promotions.
  • Statements offered by you are your opinion and do not necessarily reflect those views held by GEIN. 

5. The GEIN makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. Use of any advice or information obtained via the computer-mediated consultation network is at your own risk. Information found on the network will not be verified for accuracy. The GEIN specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information or advice obtained through its services. The GEIN will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by it's own negligence or your errors or omissions.

6. Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the network, you must notify the system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual's account. DO NOT REVEAL YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYONE. Attempts to login to the network as a system administrator will result in immediate cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network.

7. Vandalism will result in immediate cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, or the network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

8. You must notify the GEIN of any changes in your account information (address, etc.). Currently, there are no user fees for this service, however this is subject to change. If it becomes necessary to charge user fees, notification would be given and you would have the option of continuing or withdrawing from the service.

9. All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the computer-mediated consultation network. These terms and conditions shall apply to the laws of the State of Massachusetts, and the United States of America. I understand and will abide by the above Terms and Conditions for the network. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked.

Document adapted from: K.Barry, 1994, Florida Institute of Technology