Key Terminology

Below are definitions of key terms used in our rules and terms of use:

• Convener: The individual or entity who sets up a discussion question or page on comCensus, controlling its settings (e.g., public or private) and inviting participants.
• Participants: Users who respond to or discuss a question set by a Convener, contributing content anonymously.
• Content: Any material you submit to the website, including posts, votes, reactions, and related metadata or usage statistics.
• Public Pages: Discussion pages visible to anyone, where content may be shared or repurposed publicly with permission.
• Private Pages: Discussion pages restricted to invited participants and the Convener, with content protected from public sharing.

Rules of Discussion

We encourage open, respectful, and constructive discussions. Follow these rules to ensure a positive experience for all participants:

1. Keep It Legal

   All posts must comply with UK laws, including the 1988 Malicious Communications Act and the 2003 Communications Act, as well as applicable local laws in your jurisdiction. Prohibited communications include:

   • Grossly offensive content that reasonable people would find unacceptable.
   • Indecent or obscene material (e.g., explicit or shocking content).
   • Menacing messages that cause fear or apprehension.
   • Knowingly false information intended to mislead.
   • Persistent messages sent to annoy or harass.

   We respect your right to free expression, which protects speech that may offend or disturb, provided it is constructive and not harmful. Please write thoughtfully to avoid legal issues.

2. Keep It Impersonal

   comCensus is for sharing ideas, not personal details. Avoid posting or linking to:

   • Contact details (e.g., addresses, emails, phone numbers).
   • Personal information about yourself or others (e.g., names, identifiable nicknames).
   • Gossip or private stories about identifiable individuals (e.g., “I heard from Company X’s CEO that…”).

   Example: Instead of “Jane Doe said X,” write “A company policy states X.” This protects anonymity and focuses on ideas.

3. Keep It Civil

   Aim to inform and persuade with clear, respectful arguments. Avoid:

   • Incitements to hate or violence against individuals, groups, or organizations.
   • Gratuitous insults or offensive remarks.
   • Unsubstantiated allegations about identifiable individuals or groups.

   Example: Instead of “Company X is corrupt,” say “Company X’s policy Y has raised concerns due to Z.” Focus on facts, not personal attacks. comCensus is not a platform for whistleblowing or workplace grievances.

Moderation and Flagging

We rely on users to maintain a respectful environment. Here’s how moderation works:

• Flagging: Flag posts that may violate these rules (e.g., illegal, offensive, or inappropriate content).
• Review: Flagged posts are temporarily removed and reviewed by moderators.
• Action: Posts violating rules are permanently removed, and authors are notified with reasons. Repeated or severe violations may lead to a ban.
• Restoration: Non-violating posts are restored, but repeated flags may trigger further review.

Terms of Use

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• Use of the Website

  Science of Science Ltd. grants you permission to use comCensus under these Terms of Use. Key points:

  • Safe Usage: Do not use the website in a way that distracts you from obeying traffic or safety laws (e.g., while driving).
  • Content License: By posting content (e.g., posts, votes, reactions), you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use and display it on the website, subject to the Convener’s settings.
  • Public Pages: Content may be shared publicly (e.g., in blogs or articles) but cannot be extracted or reused without permission from the Company and the Convener. Contact admin@comcensus.org for requests.
  • Private Pages: Content is for participants and the Convener only. Do not copy or share it (e.g., via screenshots) without the Convener’s explicit permission.

• Reliance on Information

  Content on comCensus is for general information only. We do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or usefulness. Key points:

  • You rely on content at your own risk and should verify information independently.
  • Third-party links or user posts reflect the provider’s opinions, not ours. We are not liable for their accuracy or content.

• Limitation on Liability

  We strive to maintain an informative and respectful platform but cannot guarantee that all content is accurate, appropriate, or free from issues. Key points:

  • You may encounter controversial or objectionable content. If it violates our rules, report it for removal.
  • Content not violating rules but deemed offensive by you will remain unless it breaches these Terms.
  • Any financial, legal, medical, or other high-stakes decision based on content or platform analytics are at your sole risk.
  • To the fullest extent permitted by law, Science of Science Ltd., its directors, employees, and affiliates are not liable for any damages, including but not limited to:
    • Economic losses (e.g., loss of profits, business opportunities, or revenue).
    • Psychological or emotional distress (e.g., anxiety or reputational harm).
    • Loss of data, downtime, or changes to your content.
    • Any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from website use, whether by Participants or Conveners.
  • International Users: Liability limitations may vary by jurisdiction. Where local laws do not permit certain disclaimers, our liability is limited to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law.

• Data and Privacy

  We prioritize your privacy and collect minimal data. Here’s what you need to know:

  Participants

  • Collected Data:
    • Required: A ciphered, non-decryptable version of your email address, not linked to your content.
    • Optional: First name, last name, and affiliation (encrypted and decryptable).
  • Data Source: For “listed invitations,” the Convener provides emails and names of participants. We assume such data is obtained legally but will remove any data proven to be illegally sourced.
  • Opt-In Services: Temporarily sharing your email enables additional features (e.g., notifications). This data is encrypted and deleted after the discussion closes.
  • Analytics: We collect anonymized usage statistics (not linked to IP addresses or identities) on secure EU servers without using cookies.

  Conveners

  • Collected Data: Your email, names, and optional details (e.g., photo, biography) are stored in decryptable format and may be displayed publicly with your consent.
  • Data Use: We use this data to provide services and contact you about them. You can withdraw consent and remove your data at any time.
  • Convener Responsibilities: As a Convener, you are responsible for selecting participants, setting discussion parameters (e.g., public or private), and ensuring invited participants comply with these Terms. You assume all risks associated with the outcomes of your discussions, including any economic or reputational impact from participant contributions or platform analytics.

• Contact Information

  Reach us at contact@comcensus.org or via our contact form.