GENERAL TERMS OF USE

By accessing “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical” (hereinafter “we”, “us”, “our”, “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical”, “http://www.billyelliottheforum.me.uk/forum”), you agree to be legally bound by the following terms. If you do not agree to be legally bound by all of the following terms then please do not access and/or use “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical”. We may change these at any time and we’ll do our utmost in informing you, though it would be prudent to review this regularly yourself as your continued usage of “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical” after changes mean you agree to be legally bound by these terms as they are updated and/or amended.

Our forums are powered by phpBB (hereinafter “they”, “them”, “their”, “phpBB software”, “www.phpbb.com”, “phpBB Group”, “phpBB Teams”) which is a bulletin board solution released under the “General Public License” (hereinafter “GPL”) and can be downloaded from www.phpbb.com. The phpBB software only facilitates internet based discussions, the phpBB Group are not responsible for what we allow and/or disallow as permissible content and/or conduct. For further information about phpBB, please see: http://www.phpbb.com/.

You agree not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-orientated or any other material that may violate any laws be it of your country, the country where “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical” is hosted or International Law. Doing so may lead to you being immediately and permanently banned, with notification of your Internet Service Provider if deemed required by us. The IP address of all posts are recorded to aid in enforcing these conditions. You agree that “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical” have the right to remove, edit, move or close any topic at any time should we see fit. As a user you agree to any information you have entered to being stored in a database. While this information will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent, neither “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical” nor phpBB shall be held responsible for any hacking attempt that may lead to the data being compromised.


Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical - TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Introduction from the Admins
Firstly an apology…! We make no apology for the nature of these terms and conditions. Our overriding priority is in safeguarding the safety and privacy of younger forum members, the younger cast and their families – online and offline. Some may find them overly prescriptive or negative and we understand therefore why some people may prefer not to be members. Our requirements around identification and age verification may seem unusual but they are there to limit the inherent risks associated with the Private Messaging system and unmoderated communication between members, especially young people. Anonymity is not accepted on the Forum as this conflicts with the need to promote child safety. All identity and age information is confidential and available only to the Admins. The forum operates with child safety related procedures based upon guidelines published by the Home office in the UK and the FTC in the US. A copy of the procedures and moderation guidelines are available from the Admins on request by parents or other appropriately concerned parties. The forum also has recommendations for children and parents called “"Child Safety” which are available here: Child Safety – Guidelines and Recommendations.

This is a human moderated forum under the definition of those government guidelines. PMs are however NOT moderated and members, especially children and their parents, should exercise maximum caution in their use.

The administrators (“Admins”) of this forum are:
Ruth Balkansky (jabka)
Nikkie Romaine (Nikkie-Nikkie)
John Higginson (JohnH)

Membership
In registering and remaining a member of Billy Elliot The Forum (“the Forum”), members agree to be bound by both these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) and with the Rules of The Forum (“Rules”) as amended from time to time by the Admins. If they do not agree with the Rules and Terms when and if amended they will resign from the site and request the admin to deactivate their account. Members are required to correctly identify themselves to the Admins through their private profile information. If members fail to provide adequate information or if the Admins believe it appropriate, members will not be allowed access to the PM system or other features and their posts may be pre-moderated.

Anyone who, due to a) conviction of any offence or b) inclusion on any official list or c) information that would be revealed through Enhanced Disclosure (or similar) in any jurisdiction, would likely be prevented from volunteering or working with minors unsupervised is not eligible to be a member of the Forum. Furthermore if members’ circumstances in this respect change after registration they agree to resign from the Forum and request the Admins to deactivate their account.

Members believed to have provided incorrect identification or age information will at the discretion of the Admins be directed to correct it or have their membership of the Forum revoked. Members are allowed only one account on the Forum. Members under the age of 16 require the approval of a parent to register.

This is a private members club. Membership is entirely at the discretion of the Administrators.

Moderation and Posting
No profanity is allowed - This is an "all ages" forum. Where members need to use a word in context for a post (e.g. when quoting a line from the show) and appropriate *'s are placed in the word, this will be allowed. What will not be tolerated is if it is used towards another member or in relation to another members post! No discrimination of any kind will be tolerated. Members found to be posting anything racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic, religious or any other kind of discrimination will have their membership of the Forum revoked without notice. The Forum, it’s PM or alert systems shall not be used to procure information for the purpose of spam or for unsolicited emails to members. Information about age, personal email or personal links shall not be posted publicly and will be removed. Posts may be moderated, edited or deleted without consultation or warning. The decision of the Admins is final. All posts must be written in English not in ‘text speak’ or coded languages, so as to be understood by all.

Privacy
{See in more detail the full policy here: Privacy Policy}

Admins and moderators will not routinely monitor the PM system however the PM system should not be regarded as private and should not be used to break any of the Rules of the Forum. Such information will be stored on our service providers systems and remain accessible by admin in case of requests by law enforcement or major disputes or complaints. All data held (including any IP addresses logged) by the Forum systems will be voluntarily given to genuine law enforcement without warrant if requested in investigation of any nature including copyright matters.

The Admins may attempt to identity and age verify registering members using various public sources and may request further information to do this. The Admins and the Forum’s IT service providers make reasonable efforts to ensure the privacy of email addresses and the contents of PMs on its systems, however it cannot guarantee the information will not be “scraped” from the website or that systems will not be compromised and information lost/stolen. Consideration should therefore be given by members to the content posted and for using an email address they can discard if SPAM becomes a problem.

The Admins cannot guarantee that its systems are secured or backed-up and that any posts or content uploaded will not be lost or deleted without warning. The Admins will make reasonable efforts on request by members to delete content posted on line in error but cannot undertake to delete the content from PMs, archives or backups. The Admins cannot guarantee that all content on the forum, whether uploaded by Admins, moderators or members, is free from viruses and/or other security threats and all members or guest viewers are responsible for maintaining their own virus protection.

Commercial activity, Ownership, Responsibility and Copyright
The views represented on this forum are those of the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect those of the owner or Admins.

The Admins do not support copyright infringement. Posting or deep linking of copyrighted material is not allowed. Members should be careful in linking to material on sharing sites such as YouTube. Posts, images, videos, etc uploaded to the forum remain the copyright of the poster however images may be watermarked to track subsequent downloads.

This is a non-commercial website. The posting of advertising or the linking to external websites for commercial purposes is not allowed and will be deleted.

Contact Points, Notifications and Complaints
If you have any problems or questions, please PM an Admin. You can also send an e-mail to: admin[at]billyelliottheforum.me.uk {remove the [at] and replace it with @}


By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions you are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy and our Forum Rules


Version 1.0 - Last Updated 15th May 2009

This policy explains in detail how “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical” (hereinafter “we”, “us”, “our”, "Forum", “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical”, “http://www.billyelliottheforum.me.uk/forum”) and phpBB (hereinafter “they”, “them”, “their”, “phpBB software”, “www.phpbb.com”, “phpBB Group”, “phpBB Teams”) use any information collected during any session of usage by you (hereinafter “your information”).

Introduction
Welcome to “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical”, a fan website for Billy Elliot the Musical (“the Forum”), where fans share their thoughts, reviews and photos of the show and its cast. The Forum is a volunteer run non-commercial site and currently consists of a) the message board and b) the gallery. The Forum is not affiliated or formally connected with the show, its production company or the theatres where it is being performed.

The Forum, its Administrators and Moderators take privacy and internet child safety very seriously. The key points of our privacy policy are:

• Any identification or age information about members is held strictly confidentially between the three Admins and then only for the purposes of child safety protection.
• This is a non-commercial website and no information, even in anonimised form, is ever shared with commercial 3rdparties.
• We will only disclose information held about members to police and other official authorities.
• You may end your membership at any time.
• By participating in the Forum, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

Information Collected
The Forum message board systems collect the following types of information about you when you register, view or post onto the system:

• Information provided by you. We collect very limited personally identifiable information when you register to become a member. All information is held confidentially and is never revealed publicly on the website or elsewhere. You will be identified publically only by the username you choose.
• Email Address
• Password (see below)
• Birthday (Day/Month only - used to flag birthdays within a week)
• Age group (used to identify an additional need for authorization from parents)
• Full Name
• Country and/or state
• Any other information filled in on the profile information will be removed


• Information collected automatically. The Forum systems receive and store information which is transmitted automatically from your computer when you use the website.
• Cookies (see below)
• Your IP address. Your IP address is the unique address of your computer which is automatically provided to other computers when your web browser or email application requests a web page or email from those computers on the Internet.
• Your browser type
• Content/Messages you post
• PMs (Private Messages) you send/receive through the Forum

Your Password
Your password is ciphered (a one-way hash) so that it is secure. However, it is recommended that you do not reuse the same password across a number of different websites. Your password is the means of accessing your account at “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical”, so please guard it carefully and under no circumstance will anyone affiliated with “Billy Elliot the Forum - The new forum for fans of Billy Elliot the Musical”, phpBB or another 3rd party, legitimately ask you for your password. Should you forget your password for your account, you can use the “I forgot my password” feature provided by the phpBB software. This process will ask you to submit your user name and your e-mail, then the phpBB software will generate a new password to reclaim your account.

Use and Disclosure of Information
We only use and store information collected for the operation of the Forum in the following ways:

• Personally identifiable information about you as a member will be accessible only by Administrators for the purpose of performing the necessary safeguards and checks in connection with the site Safety Policy.
• We will NOT display your personally identifiable information on your profile other than your screen name (chosen by you), your uploaded avatar and brief details of when you joined the forum and how many public posts you have made.
• We will only use your email address for the following Forum functions
• To alert you to new PMs and/or posts according to your user-specified notification preferences
• To contact you from time to time for security reasons to confirm that you are who you say you are.
• To send to all members’ occasional general Forum updates and notifications of changes to the Forum, it’s Terms and Conditions etc or other significant news.
• We will not reveal or sell your email information to commercial 3rd parties
• The contents, timing, originators login and IP address of all public and private messages on the website will be archived as a matter of routine for periods up to 10 years
• Any data on the Forum systems may be accessed or disclosed in response to legal process (for example, a court order, search warrant or subpoena); in other circumstances in which the Admins reasonably believes there has been a breach of the Rules or the Safety Policy or where the Admins in good faith believe that there is an emergency that poses a threat to the safety of you or another member or person.
• Personally identifiable information collected in connection with your use of the Forum may be stored in a number of different countries. We believe the site is currently hosted in the UK but this may change without us being informed by the hosting company.

Private Messaging
The administrators of the forum reserve the right to reactive moderation as outlined in the Home Office Task Force on Child Protection guidelines. We reserve the right to monitor private messages in line with our rights under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000). Reasons for such monitoring are solely for safety of the members of the site. In a service of this type, moderation will take place only after a request for intervention is made, after an allegation of bullying or harassment, or there is sufficient evidence of a breach of the child safety laws

Cookies
Cookies are a common Internet technology used by most websites to provide useful features for their users. Cookies are small files that are written or downloaded to your computers hard drive when you access a site. They are used solely on the Forum to store and quickly retrieve Forum auto login information on your computer.

[Helpful hint: Most Internet browsers (such as Internet Explorer and Safari) are initially set up to accept cookies. If you prefer, you can set your browser to refuse cookies, although you will then need to manually login every time you visit the site. You can disable cookies by going to Tools on your top menu bar. This will bring up the "Internet Options" dialogue box. On the top of the dialogue box, click on "Privacy". This will bring up the "Settings" box. Scroll up using the slide bar on the left-hand side of the box, until the wording in the box states Block All Cookies. Then click on the "OK" button on the bottom of the menu box. If you follow these instructions, your computer will not accept cookies in future. }

Reviewing, deleting and changing your Profile information and Email address
For safety reasons you will not be able to modify or amend your username or email address without first contacting the Admins. If you do this, your access to the forum will be blocked until the information can be checked by the Admins.

Internet awareness
Whenever you voluntarily post personal information in public areas, like journals, blogs, message boards and forums, this information can be accessed by the public and can in turn be used by others to send you unsolicited communications. We recommend that you exercise discretion in deciding what information you disclose on the Internet.

Security and confidentiality

• The Forum relies upon its hosting and service providers to help protect your personal information, including technical, administrative and physical controls. Please bear in mind though, that it is impossible for us to guarantee that impenetrable security measures are in place. Consequently, you acknowledge that there are circumstances in which your personal information may be accessed by unauthorized persons.
• The security of your personal information depends in part on your protection of your account password. Please do not disclose your account password to unauthorized people.
• If you become aware of any breach of data security or have any other questions about the security of our website, please contact the Technical Admin directly via email admin[at]billyelliottheforum.me.uk {replace [at] with @}.

Changes in Privacy Policy We may need to change our Privacy Policy (most likely in connection with new legislation) at any time so please review it frequently. If we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you (and your parent if you are under 16) by email or by means of a notice on the home page under Forum Announcements.

If any modification is unacceptable to you, you shall stop using the Forum immediately and request the Admin to terminate your membership. You continued use of the Forum or its facilities will constitute your implicate acceptance of such changes.

Cancelling membership
You always have the option to cancel your membership at any time. If you are a member and no longer wish to participate please email the admin who will remove your account.

Contact
You may contact the administrators at any time by emailing them at admin[at]billyelliottheforum.me.uk, replacing the [at] with @.


Version 1.0 - Last Updated 15th May 2009

The Primary Rules of the Forum

The Rules of Billy Elliot The Forum (“the Forum”) are strict and the Admins make no excuse for this. The significant involvement of children on the Forum and in the show makes it imperative that rules are clear, understood and are enforced swiftly.

The primary purpose of the Forum is:

The POSITIVE discussion of the musical, shared experiences of shows, reviews of performances , observations of directorial changes and interpretations etc, debate about the themes of the show and fans encouragement and support for the cast members. It is also a wonderful way to meet others with a similar interest in the show.

The primary rule of the Forum is:

Nothing will be posted on this Forum or transmitted by PM that compromises or threatens to compromise the well-being, safety, security or privacy of any minor, including cast members, their families or other forum members.


Supporting posting rules and guidelines
Members recognize that young cast members read this forum. While they are professional actors and performers they remain children and forum members need to behave appropriately.

• Any comments posted relating to younger cast members should be positive in nature. Any overt criticism should be left to their teachers, directors, mentors and parents. Encouragement is always welcome.
• There may be comparisons and favourites but there should never be a ranking of cast members past or present. Each cast member has their own strengths and weaknesses but they have all achieved the highest standard to perform.
• Nothing shall be posted which causes speculation as to the start date, length or finish dates of any younger performer’s run on stage. The Forum should not be adding extra angst to any already pressured time.
• Nothing shall be posted which causes speculation about any illness or injury. Flu and sprained muscles are a common hazard and should not be inflated to life threatening illnesses! Posts about growth and voice breaking etc should be avoided. It will already probably be at the top of their minds and the media make quite enough of it as it is!
• Family members and friends of cast are reminded that although the Forum understands you will of course have a favourite, a balance has to be made in praise and comment.
• Any schedule information or cast change posted should indicate an authoritative source (or failing that should note and notify the Admins of the source) or risk the automatic deletion of the information)
• The personal web pages of the younger cast’s Myspace, Facebook etc are private and information or pictures from there should not be posted on the Forum.
• Members\’ posts on other messaging boards using the same handle/username as they use on the Forum should also comply with the spirit of these Rules as responsible behaviour relates, we believe, to the individual and not just the message board. (If you notice someone else is using your Forum username on other messaging boards, please tell the Admin)

Behaviour between members
The Forum is a place for reviews, comments, healthy debate and news. It is NOT a place for argument between members.
Therefore:

• Members may not make personal attacks on other members or their views in posts. Any vehement disagreement should be directed over PM. Personal attacks are never allowed, even over PM.
• If members would not say things in person – face to face - to other members then they should not post them. Anonymity should neither be assumed nor abused in posting anything.
• It is ALWAYS the responsibility of the poster to communicate clearly. To avoid miscommunication, misunderstanding and possible offence, post carefully and clearly. A one line response without explanation is very easy to misinterpret.
• If a member is unsure whether a post is acceptable they should check with an Admin or moderator as to its suitability, or NOT post it.

Behaviour of members in and around the theatre
The actions and behaviour of members inside and outside of the theatre(s) and in relation to the cast, the company and the theatre staff reflect on the name and reputation of the Forum and all its members. The Forum has a good relation with the theatre & the Billy Company and has in the past received many special privileges which should never be assumed or taken for granted.

The Administrators suggest members observe the following recommendations:

• Stage door behaviour
• The chaperones have an important job to do and should be obeyed at all times and without complaint
• Never follow cast members away from the stage door or disturb them while they are having a meal in a restaurant, etc.
• Photographs – ask permission of the chaperone or parent/guardian first! No photos from a distance or away from the stage door.
• If you are told NO to photographs or autographs then please accept this decision graciously, there will be a good reason for it.
• Never expect the cast to sign numerous programmes or items for you or to pose for many pictures. Please get your photograph and/or autograph and then give others a chance.
• Do not push others out of your way to get photographs. Forum members have no more priority to a picture than other fans and theatregoers.
• Do not 'overload' on photographs – if you have a picture of or with a cast member – do you really need another after every show? This behaviour can easily be misconstrued.
• Members must remember that the cast, especially the younger cast, have been working hard throughout the show and will probably be tired, and so should not overly impose on their time afterwards. Furthermore, if a young cast member is with his or her parents, remember that time is often limited for them to be together, especially those living a long way from home.
• Members may on occasion overhear private conversations between cast, staff and parents. Particularly when this involves the younger cast, these conversations should never be repeated or posted.
• Remember that the company and theatre have to look after the broader majority of theatre goers and have legal, commercial and safety priorities that do not revolve around the fans. This needs to be respected in what is said and posted.
• The Forum does not support or condone the recording or unapproved photography of the show. Members should obey the theatre rules and must not post anything that promotes or appears to encourage such actions.

Conclusion
As Forum members we have no special privileges other than seeing and enjoying a fantastic performance!

The rights, safety and wellbeing of younger members of the cast and younger forum members come before any assumed right of free speech on the Forum. The Admins have absolute discretion in all matters relating to the Forum.


If you have any questions or are unsure of any aspects, please do not hesitate to contact a member of site staff, who are here to help you at all times.


Version 1.0 - Last Updated 15th May 2009