Mission Statement

At Historic Union County Newspaper, our mission is to spread the good news, reflect the values of the Christian faith and uplift the community. We strive to inspire and inform through positive stories and glorify God in all we do.

Terms of Service

This policy document outlines the terms and conditions governing the use of our Services, the rights and responsibilities of our users, and the legal framework within which we operate. By accessing or using our Services, you agree to comply with and be bound by the terms set forth in this policy. We encourage you to read this document carefully to understand your rights and obligations.

Index of Subsections

A. - Define Terms
B. - Acceptance & Registration
C. - User Conduct
D. - Community Guidelines
E. - Content Guidelines
F. - Modification and Adaptation
G. - Copyright Policy
H. - Privacy Policy
I. - Feedback
J. - Changes and Policy Updates
K. - Law & Liability

Define Terms

A1. (RCS): Refers to Russell Computer Systems, Inc., the entity providing the Services described in this policy.

A2. Historic Union County Newspaper : Refers to the Newspaper owned and operated by RCS which may be used in communications and marketing materials.

A3. Content: refers to any information, material, or media created, published, or shared in various forms. This includes text such as articles, blog posts, and reports; images like photographs and graphics; videos encompassing recorded footage and animations; audio materials including music and podcasts; software comprising applications and code; and data represented by information sets and databases. Content can be found across websites, social media platforms, publications, and other digital or physical mediums, serving purposes such as informing, entertaining, educating, or promoting products and Services.

A4. Services: Refers to the various services offered by RCS, including but not limited to Newspaper, Newsletter, website, Mobile Applications and publication of ads and content.

A5. Jurisdiction: Refers to the legal jurisdiction in which RCS operates, specifically the laws of the State of Tennessee.

A6. Users or User: Refers to Anyone, including individuals, companies, or non-profits, who accesses or uses Services provided by RCS.

A7. Website: Refers to the online platform located at www.historicunioncounty.com, where users can access Services provided by RCS.

A8. Newsletter: Refers to the subscribed email from News@HistoricUnionCounty.com

Acceptance & Registration

B1. Acceptance of Terms: By accessing or using the website (www.HistoricUnionCounty.com) or Services operated by RCS, you agree to adhere to the policies outlined in this document, which constitute the Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms of Service, you shall not access Services provided by RCS.

B2. Account Registration: Some Services may require account registration. Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account information and for all activities that occur on their account.

B3. User Consent for Communication: By providing your contact information and using our Services, you consent to receive communications regarding your account, promotional offers, and other relevant information. These communications may include but not limited to phone, SMS and email Communications.

B4. Use of Profile Images and Name: By using our Services, you grant us a Non-Revocable right to use your profile image, name, and username for promotional purposes. This includes sharing your profile image alongside articles in various media formats, including but not limited to social media platforms, our newspaper, and third-party publications. You retain all rights to your profile image, name, and username, and our use of them will be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sub Section C: User Conduct

C1. Users are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and lawful manner while using Services. Any behavior that violates laws, infringes on the rights of others, or disrupts operations is prohibited.

C2. Respectful Communication: Users are expected to engage in respectful and civil communication with other users. Personal attacks, harassment, hate speech, or any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.

C3. Inappropriate Content: Users must refrain from posting content that is defamatory, obscene, offensive, or violates the rights of others. This includes but is not limited to hate speech, threats, or explicit material.

C4. Intellectual Property: Users are prohibited from posting content that infringes on the intellectual property rights of others. This includes plagiarism, copyright infringement, or unauthorized use of trademarks.

C5. Impersonation: Users must not impersonate others or misrepresent their identity. This includes pretending to be a different individual, organization, or entity.

C6. Spam and Misinformation: Users should avoid posting spam, irrelevant content, or misleading information. Deliberate dissemination of false information or malicious links is strictly prohibited.

C7. Compliance with Laws: Users are expected to comply with all applicable laws and regulations when submitting content. Illegal activities or content promoting illegal behavior is strictly prohibited.

C8. Reporting Violations: Users are encouraged to report any violations of Policies to Staff@HistoricUnionCounty.com. Reports should include specific details and evidence of the violation.

C9. Consequences of Violations: Violations of policies may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent ban from Services. RCS reserve the right to take appropriate action based on the severity of the violation.

Sub Section D: Community Guidelines

D1. Respectful Communication: Treat others with respect and kindness. Avoid personal attacks, harassment, hate speech, or any form of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, as defined in Tennessee law.

D2. Constructive Discussions: Engage in discussions that are constructive, relevant, and contribute to the community. Avoid spamming, trolling, or posting off-topic content.

D3. Privacy and Safety: Protect your privacy and the privacy of others. Avoid sharing personal information, confidential data, or engaging in activities that compromise user safety.

D4. Resolving Disputes: Address disagreements or conflicts respectfully. Seek to resolve disputes through constructive dialogue and avoid escalating conflicts.

D5. Site Scraping: The use of automated scripts and site scraping is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the use of bots to access or interact with the site is not allowed.

Sub Section E: Content Guidelines

E1. Originality and Attribution: Users must ensure that the content they contribute is original and not plagiarized. Proper attribution should be given to original sources when referencing external content.

E2. Accuracy and Fact-Checking: Users are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information they provide. Misleading or false information should be avoided, and fact-checking is encouraged before posting.

E3. Respect for Privacy: Users must respect the privacy of others when sharing content. Personal information, confidential data, or any content that violates the privacy rights of individuals shall not be posted without written consent.

E4. Content Standards: Ensure that all content shared is appropriate for a public audience. Refrain from posting offensive, defamatory, or explicit material.

E5. Graphic or Explicit Content: Graphic images, explicit language, or content that may be considered disturbing are not allowed.

E6. Commercial Promotion: Users should refrain from excessive self-promotion or spamming. Commercial content should be relevant and clearly identified as promotional material.

E7. User Safety: Users should not post content that poses a risk to the safety or well-being of others. This includes but is not limited to threats, incitement of violence, or harmful advice.

E8. Prohibited Content: Users are prohibited from posting, sharing, or advertising any content that promotes the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, or unregulated CBD products. This includes, but is not limited to, advertisements, images, or any other materials that endorse or encourage the use of these substances. We are committed to maintaining a safe and responsible community.

Sub Section F: Modification and Adaptation

F1. RCS, reserves the right to modify, adapt, or edit the content submitted by users for clarity, formatting, or compliance with guidelines. Users consent to such modifications as necessary for publication.

F2. Purpose: The moderation aims to maintain a safe, respectful, and engaging environment for all users. Moderators are responsible for enforcing guidelines and ensuring that user content meets the standards set by these policies.

F3. Content Moderation: While some user-contributed content may not be reviewed before publishing, moderators actively monitor the platform for compliance with Community Standards. Users are encouraged to report any content in violation.

F4. Reporting Process: Users are encouraged to report any content that they believe violates guidelines. Reports should include specific details and evidence of the violation to assist moderators in their review process. Email reports to Staff@HistoricUnionCounty.com

F5. Actions Taken: Upon identifying content that violates the guidelines, moderators may take various actions, including content removal, warning the user, temporary suspension of account privileges, or permanent ban from Services.

F6. Appeals Process: Users who believe their content was moderated unfairly or wish to appeal a moderation decision can contact the website's support team. Appeals will be reviewed by the moderation team for reconsideration.

F7. Transparency: Moderation actions are carried out transparently, with clear communication to users regarding the reasons for moderation decisions. Users will be informed of any actions taken on their content or account.

F8. Cooperation with Law Enforcement: In cases where content violates legal regulations or poses a threat to user safety, RCS, will cooperate with law enforcement authorities as required by law.

Sub Section G: Copyright Policy

G1. Affirm Rightful Owner: By submitting content users affirm that they are the rightful owner of the content or have the necessary permissions to grant the following license.

G2. Grant of Non-Revocable License: Users grant RCS, a non-revocable, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, share with third parties and display submitted content. This license allows RCS, to utilize the content in various forms and mediums for both commercial and non-commercial purposes, including publication in print such as Newspaper, Magazine, Books and Printed Archives, website, Services and social media but not limited to these media formats.

G3. Ownership of User Content: Users retain ownership of the content they submit to RCS, An exception is made for content purchased from freelance writers. All content purchased from freelance writers is solely the exclusive property of RCS, and all copyrights are reserved.

G4. Exclusivity: RCS, may purchase content from freelance writers, by purchasing content users acknowledge that the content is under the exclusive copyright of RCS, they are granting RCS, the exclusive and all-encompassing rights to the content. Users agree not to submit the same content to other platforms or websites that may conflict with this exclusivity. This exclusivity clause ensures that the content remains unique to RCS, This exclusivity does not apply to content submitted free of charge.

G5. Volunteer Contribution: RCS would like to clarify that all content submitted is created on a volunteer basis. We do not pay for content, and all contributions are made free of charge to us, except for written agreements made with freelance writers. We appreciate the efforts of those who contribute and value the spirit of collaboration and community involvement.

G6. Attribution: RCS will provide attribution to the user for their contributed content whenever feasible. However, users acknowledge that RCS reserves the right to use the content without individual attribution in specific circumstances, such as in promotional materials or when space constraints exist, at the publisher's discretion. We are committed to recognizing contributors' efforts and will strive to provide attribution whenever possible.

G7. Copyright Infringement: Users are responsible for ensuring that their submitted content does not infringe on the intellectual property and copyrights of others. RCS, will respond to valid copyright infringement notices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

G8. Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for any fines, legal fees, or penalties resulting from copyright violations associated with the content they submit. RCS, will not be held liable for any copyright infringement committed by users.

G9. Infringement Claim: In the event of a valid copyright infringement claim, RCS, will cooperate with copyright holders by removing violating copyrighted content.

G10. Copyright Violators: Contact information of users identified as copyright violators may be shared with copyright holders. Users agree to cooperate with RCS, and copyright holders in resolving copyright infringement issues.

G11. Termination of License: The non-revocable license granted to RCS, remains in effect even if the user's account is terminated, deactivated or content is removed from Services. Users cannot revoke the license once granted.

G12. Transferability of License Agreement: This license agreement is transferable by RCS. RCS, may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this agreement to a third Party, provided that the party agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement. The original copyright holder retains ownership of their content.

G13. By Submitting Content: users acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Copyright Policy. Users retain ownership of their original content but grant RCS, the necessary rights to utilize and distribute the content as outlined in these Terms of Service and policies.

Sub Section H: Privacy Policy

For information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. While this Privacy Policy is incorporated by reference into these Terms of Service, it is not part of the terms themselves. You can review our policies at https://www.historicunioncounty.com/privacy-policy

Sub Section I: Feedback

I1. Feedback Submission: Users are encouraged to provide feedback, suggestions, or complaints regarding their experience with Services. Feedback can be submitted through the designated contact email Staff@HistoricUnionCounty.com. Users are encouraged to provide detailed information to facilitate the resolution of the issue. Feedback is valuable in enhancing the user experience.

Sub Section J: Changes and Policy Updates

J1. Changes to Terms: RCS, may update or modify these Terms of Service at any time, notice will be posted in the Terms of Service and Privacy Policies Section of the Website, continued use of Services constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

J2. Notification of Changes: Any updates or changes to our policies will be communicated to users through our website, email, or other appropriate channels. You can find the Terms of Service and Privacy Policies on our website at www.historicunioncounty.com/terms-of-service and https://www.historicunioncounty.com/privacy-policy.

J3. Review and Revision of Terms: Our policies will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain current. Users are encouraged to review our policies periodically to stay informed about any updates.

J4. User Input: We welcome feedback from users regarding our policies and will consider user input when making updates or changes.

J5. Effective Date: The effective date of these Terms of Service shall be the earlier of the date of the first use of Services by the user or February 13, 2015.

J6. Consent: By continuing to use our Services after any updates or changes to the policy, users are considered to have accepted the revised terms.

Sub Section K: Law & Liability

K1. Limitation of Liability: RCS, is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of Services or the inability of Services. Users access Services at their own risk.

K2. Termination of Service: RCS, reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to Services for users who violate the Terms of Service or engage in prohibited activities.

K3. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Any legal disputes arising from or related to this policy or the Services provided by RCS, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. You agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms of Service shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in Maynardville Tennessee. RCS, will not be required to travel to any other jurisdiction for the resolution of such disputes.

K4. Legal Authority and Capacity: By using Services provided by RCS, you are entering into this agreement, you affirm that you have the legal authority to do so and that you are of sound mind. If you do not possess the legal authority or are not of sound mind, you are not permitted and shall not access Services provided by RCS.

For questions or concerns regarding our Terms of Service policies or data practices, users can contact us at Staff@HistoricUnionCounty.com. or by sending mail to Russell Computer Systems,Inc. P.O. Box 665 Maynardville, TN 37807.

We reserve the right to update our Terms of Service policies. Any changes will be posted on the website in accordance with the Updates and Changes Policy, Subsection J.

By utilizing the Services provided by RCS, users unequivocally agree to comply with and be bound by the Terms of Service outlined in this document. Any failure to adhere to these terms may result in the suspension or termination of access to the Services.