Conditions of use
The DERN expects and welcomes contributions that stimulate debate and discussion or that reflect the diverse range of education and research perspectives of its users. While encouraging vigorous debate and critique, DERN expects all participants to treat each other with respect and courtesy. DERN does not endorse the views or materials contained in users' contributions. You may contribute to the DERN online community subject to the following terms and conditions. These conditions apply to any comments and content contributed in any format to DERN. DERN may change the Conditions of Use from time to time, at DERN’s sole discretion. While DERN aims to provide stimulating discussion and diverse perspectives, user contributions to DERN reflect the views of the participants. From time to time, one particular side of the debate may dominate views expressed. This simply reflects the natural flow of contributions DERN may receive. DERN does not endorse the views or material contained in users' contributions. Terms and conditions You may contribute to DERN subject to the following terms and conditions. These conditions apply to any content contributed in any format to DERN.
1. Registration and Login Names
1.1 In order to engage in discussion and submit content to DERN, you will be required to apply for registration to DERN.
1.2 DERN generally recommends that applicants register online using a pen name or pseudonym as their login name (not their real name). Users should be aware that posted content, comments or links can remain online indefinitely and may be found through search engines or online archives. Users must not impersonate another living person or registered user.
1.3 When registering, a genuine email address must be provided. You will be asked to provide your real name and some personal details.
1.4 DERN may refuse registration of users whose suggested login names that are considered inappropriate. Grounds for refusal may include:
1.4.1 offensive content;
1.4.2 obscenity;
1.4.3 abuse;
1.4.4 defamatory content;
1.4.5 contempt;
1.4.6 incitement;
1.4.7 copyright infringement;
1.4.8 brand names or registered trademarks;
1.4.9 company or organisation names;
1.4.10 names of high-profile or public figures; or
1.4.11 names promoting political, religious, social or economic issues.
1.5 DERN reserves the right to refuse suggested login names at its sole discretion.
1.6 DERN will not accept any registration that it suspects is being made by or on behalf of a member who has been suspended for repeated violation of these conditions of use.
2. Passwords and Security
2.1 As a registered user of DERN, you may receive or establish one or more passwords. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your password(s).
2.2 Accordingly, a user understands and agrees to be fully responsible for all actions and submissions made from the user’s registered DERN account.
2.3 If a DERN user becomes aware of any unauthorised use of an account, DERN should be notified immediately.
3. Termination of Account
3.1 A user can close an account with DERN at any time by unsubscribing, where that option is available or by notifying DERN at info@dern.org. Users should note, however, that a user’s contributions may still be available on the DERN after the account has been closed.
3.2 If DERN reasonably believes a user has breached these Conditions of Use, DERN reserves the right to restrict access to or terminate that user’s account, with or without notice, and without any liability to the user.
4. User Participation
4.1 A user may be held legally responsible for the comments and content submitted to DERN.
4.2 All material published on DERN is at DERN’s sole discretion.
4.3 A users contribution may be edited, removed or not published if DERN considers it to be:
4.3.1 defamatory, or otherwise unlawful or that it violates laws regarding harassment, discrimination, racial vilification, privacy or contempt;
4.3.2 intentionally false or misleading;
4.3.3 an infringement of intellectual property rights or copyright;
4.3.4 abusive, offensive or obscene;
4.3.5 inappropriate, off topic, repetitive or vexatious. For example DERN reserves the right to reject contributions that have been widely canvassed in the forum. It also reserves the right to reject contributions from participants who seek to dominate the discussion;
4.3.6 compromising the privacy of yourself, other contributors or of DERN staff, or containing inappropriate personal information;
4.3.7 seeking to endorse commercial products or activities or to unduly promote commercial products or services;
4.3.8 seeking to directly solicit donations; 4.3.9 deliberate provocation of other community members;
4.3.10 a posting on behalf of a suspended member. This may lead to you also having your membership locked or terminated.
4.4 DERN reserves the right to archive and republish all contributions
5. Linking
5.1 DERN publishes links to external sites at its sole discretion, including links posted by users subject to the moderation statement of any interactive service.
5.2 DERN is not responsible for, and does not endorse, the content on external sites.
5.3 DERN reserves the right to remove user-posted links for any reason, at any time, with or without notice to the user. Links may be deleted where, for instance, they are not relevant to educational research into the use of ICT or are unsuitable for the likely audience.
6. Copyright
6.1 Material published on the internet is protected by the same laws of copyright which apply to books, videos and music.
6.2 The right to "copy" always remains with the owner of the material. Unless expressly stated otherwise, a user is not permitted to copy or republish anything you find on the internet without the copyright owner's permission.
6.3 If you wish to refer to material on someone else's website we recommend you include an attribution in your message.
6.4 Under Australian copyright law, limited quotation is permissible in the context of genuine review and criticism. However this does not permit extensive quoting.
6.5 When a user posts content, in any format, the user acknowledges having all the necessary rights, including copyright, in the material that is being contributed to DERN. The user agrees that DERN may use the material online consistent with Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Australia.
These Conditions of Use have been adapted from the excellent ABC Online Conditions of Use, with permission, 14 January, 2010.