Mail bombing:
Sending large volumes of unsolicited e-mail is prohibited.
Harassment:
Sending threatening or harassing e-mail after being requested to stop,
is prohibited. Extremely threatening or harassing e-mail is
prohibited always.
Off-topic or inappropriate postings:
There is no restriction on content, except as defined by each
newsgroup. Continued posting of off-topic articles is prohibited.
Please note that commercial advertisements are off-topic in the vast
majority of newsgroups.
Network unfriendly activity:
Activities which adversely affect the ability of other people or
systems to use MindSpring services or the Internet is prohibited.
Privacy violations:
Attempts, whether successful or not, to gain access to any
computer system, or customer's data, without consent is prohibited.
In the event MindSpring determines that an account is exceeding the bandwidth or disk utilization, the account owner will be notified by e-mail. If the excess use continues for more than 48 hours after such notification, the owner may be requested to upgrade the account's service agreement or to modify the activity creating the excess use.
If excessive bandwidth or disk space utilization is determined to adversely affect MindSpring's ability to provide service, immediate action will be taken. The account owner will be notified by email as soon as practicable.
In addition, MindSpring will cooperate with the appropriate legal authorities in investigating claims of illegal activity, including but not limited to illegal transfer or use of copyrighted material, postings or e-mail containing threats of violence, or other illegal activity.
MindSpring makes no guarantee and assumes no liability for the security of any data on any server including "secure servers."
Our customers are reminded that no computer system should be considered safe from intrusion. E-mail may pass through many computer systems, and should not be considered a secure means of communication unless encrypted. Even then, information is only as secure as the encryption method.
Protection of our customers and our resources, the ability to provide quality service to our customers, conformance with existing law, and the protection of our reputation as a service provider are all contributing factors to decisions on AUP violations.
It is our intention to allow MindSpring customers access to everything the Internet has to offer with minimal or no interference. Our belief in Free Speech is a firm commitment to our customers. However, Free Speech does not include the right to shout "Fire" in a crowded theater. In an analogous manner, certain activities are considered inappropriate by the Internet community at large, and cannot be permitted under the guise of Free Speech.
MindSpring does not censor the content of any newsgroups. We believe such choices should be left to the individual. We do advise our users that tools, such as Cyber Patrol, are available to screen an account's access to newsgroups one considers offensive. It is the account owner's responsibility to make use of such tools if desired.
Mindspring does not monitor the activity of accounts except for measurements of system utilization and billing records. However, in our efforts to promote good citizenship within the Internet community, if we become aware of inappropriate use of MindSpring service, we will respond.
If a MindSpring account is used to violate the AUP, we reserve the right to terminate service without notice. Our preferred course of action would be to advise the account owner of the inappropriate behavior and corrective action necessary. However, flagrant violations of the AUP will result in immediate termination of service.
In the event that an account is temporarily inactivated as a result of any prohibited activities, the account may be subject to reactivation charges and/or deposit requirements to be determined by MindSpring.
For more information about spamming and netiquette, see:
Back to the About MindSpring Page
For information and support, send email to MindSpring.