| Contents |
| Overview |
| Website Privacy Policy |
| BBS Privacy Policy |
| Required BBS User Data |
| Optional BBS User Data |
This is the privacy and BBS usage policy for the websites of The Thunderbolt -- A Weather Wonder (with related links) -- and for The Thunderbolt BBS (with related links). This was updated on Apr. 8, 2009. This page can also be gotten to via the TinyURL link of http://tinyurl.com/cy2ktc.
The sites are run as a hobby by myself, Daryl Stout, and in loving memory of my late wife, Janice.
The Thunderbolt -- A Weather Wonder is my original main homepage, and is actually hosted by Apollo Web Hosting. The Thunderbolt BBS is part of the worldwide FIDONet BBS Network...however, it is TEMPORARILY OFFLINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, due to software issues.
For the record, a BBS is short for a ''computer bulletin board system''...sort of a small version of America Online. I do NOT charge for access to either site, although there is expense involved with both. I run them because I enjoy doing so.
Links that are NOT directly related to my main homepage may or may not have cookies with them. I take no responsibility for these links...except that I have tried them to be sure they do not have ''inappropriate content'', such as promoting pornography, pirated software, etc.
The Virus Protection links of Network Associates/McAfee, Frisk Software - F-Prot, Sophos, Grisoft , F-Secure, and CA Internet Security, are some of the leading anti-virus and anti-hoax companies in the world, and I've had experience with all of them. You're advised to check them, and pick the one, or another site, that best serves your needs.
What you do OUTSIDE THE BBS is YOUR BUSINESS...even if such activity could be considered against the law. However, YOU ARE A GUEST IN MY HOME AT LOGON, and you are EXPECTED to act in a manner where you would be welcomed back.
Since I do not know the identity of a caller logged onto the BBS as GUEST...and because the behavior of a BBS caller reflects back on the BBS...these callers may ONLY do the following tasks on the BBS, whether the logon is via web browser, telnet, dial-up.
1) Read the System Notices message area.
2) Downloading of files.
3) LIMITED doorgame access (dial-up or telnet logon only).
The ONLY way user data will be given out is if there are violations of the BBS rules...such as uploading of viruses, pornography, pirated software, repeated use of foul language, and other items...which are detailed in the system bulletins online via telnet logon.
If the violation is serious enough, Confirmed Visiting Sysops, along with Confirmed Law Enforcement officers, will be given the data of the offending user for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. I would NOT let a total, unknown stranger into my home, and seriously doubt that you would, either.
There is a policy on the BBS, for what to do if users lose or forget their password...and that is contained in the system bulletins, as noted earlier. The Sysop himself has at times, forgotten his password...much to his embarassment.
Also, since the primary emphasis of a ''bulletin board system'' (BBS) was, and is, messages...there is NO SUCH THING as a TOTALLY PRIVATE MESSAGE on the BBS. The Sysop Staff can read ANY AND ALL messages posted, whether or not they are the intended recipients. The Sysops are NOT responsible for the views in ANY message EXCEPT their own...and conversely, the views in a posted message are those of the one who posted them. Messages found to have content in violation of the BBS rules may result in lowered access level, deletion, lockout, blacklisting on other BBS's, referral to law enforcement, or one or more or all of the above, depending upon the nature of the violation.
Other policies of the BBS including files areas, doorgames, and the system disclaimer, are listed in other bulletins online...which all users are strongly encouraged to read. By logging on to the BBS, you agree to abide by the conditions therein.
2) Street Or Email Address. If a street address, this MUST be a valid street address...no one lives in a Post Office Box.
3) City, State, Zip Code, and Country. I'd like to know where you're calling from.
4) Phone Number and Email Address for Password Verification. You will NOT receive email or other mail from the Sysop, UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST IT. You will be sent a new user validation code via email, and MUST enter it to be upgraded!! New Users receive a TEMPORARY ACCESS LEVEL until their information can be verified. If data is found to be missing, etc. their account will be SUSPENDED, and Confirmed Visiting Sysops will be notified!!
5) Date Of Birth For The Door Ratings System (G and PG doors ONLY online). If under 18 years of age, you MUST have parental or guardian consent PRIOR to logging on, and applying as a user...even though NO ADULT FILES, NUDITY, etc. are online. G/PG Content Doors are ONLY available to callers 18 years of age or older.
6) Whether you are Male Or Female. You're obviously one or the other.
7) Valid FCC Amateur Radio License. This is if you wish to use the special amateur radio doors online that require it.
2) Financial Income Information (workplace salary, stocks, bonds, Social Security, Disability, etc.). Even though the upkeep of the BBS and the websites are a financial black hole for me...donations are NOT required to stay online. Note that while VOLUNTARY DONATIONS to help with expenses will be gratefully accepted and appreciated, they are NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE, and are NON-REFUNDABLE.
3) Religious Affiliation Or Lack Thereof. While there are Christian related items (message areas, file areas, bulletins, and doors) online, you are NOT REQUIRED to use them. These are online for those who want them. If you access these, what you do with the data is up to you. While I do NOT subscribe to information contained in the doors of ''The Apocrypha'', and ''The Book Of Mormon''...those are online for thse who want them. I DO subscribe to the data in the ''Online Bible'' (King James Version).
4) Sexual Orientation or Marital Status. Again, what you do OUTSIDE THE BBS...including in the privacy of your home, or bedroom...is YOUR BUSINESS.