> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rtfm.guide/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Terms of Service > Legal terms and conditions for using RTFM.guide **Effective Date**: January 29, 2025 **Last Updated**: January 29, 2025 ## Agreement to Terms By accessing or using RTFM.guide ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not use our Service. ## Definitions **"Service"**: RTFM.guide website and all related features **"User", "You", "Your"**: Person accessing or using the Service **"Content"**: Guides, comments, and any material posted on the Service **"We", "Us", "Our"**: RTFM.guide and its operators ## Eligibility To use this Service, you must: * Be at least 13 years old * Have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms * Not be prohibited from using the Service under applicable law * Provide accurate registration information ## Account Registration ### Creating an Account **Requirements**: * Valid email address * Unique password * Accurate information * Email verification **Your Responsibilities**: * Keep your password secure * Notify us of unauthorized access * Maintain accurate account information * Not share your account with others **Account Termination**: * You may delete your account anytime * We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations * Termination doesn't affect these Terms' survival provisions ## Acceptable Use ### You May ✅ Create and share original guides ✅ Comment constructively on content ✅ Use content for personal learning ✅ Share links to guides ✅ Report violations ### You May NOT * ❌ Post spam or promotional content * ❌ Harass or threaten others * ❌ Share malicious code * ❌ Plagiarize or infringe copyright * ❌ Impersonate others * ❌ Attempt to hack or exploit the Service * ❌ Use automated tools to scrape content (without permission) * ❌ Violate any laws ## Content Ownership and License ### Your Content **Perpetual License Grant**: By posting content to RTFM.guide, you grant us: * **Worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable license**: Content submitted becomes our property * **Right to use, reproduce, and distribute**: We can host, display, modify, and share your content * **Right to create derivative works**: For Service operation and improvement * **Right to sublicense**: To other users and third parties * **Commercial use**: Including but not limited to advertising, promotional materials, and partnerships This license continues even if you delete your account or remove the content. **Attribution in Return**: In exchange for this license, we commit to: * **Always attribute guides** to you, the original author * **Link to your profile** and provided social channels * **Display your name** prominently on your content * **Maintain attribution** even if content is shared or adapted **Attribution Exceptions**: We may remove attribution if: * Your social channels violate our [Community Guidelines](/community/community-guidelines) * Your profile contains prohibited content * Legal requirements mandate removal * You are banned for serious violations **License Other Users Receive**: Public content can be: * Viewed by anyone * Linked to freely * Used for personal learning * Shared with attribution (as displayed on the Service) **Your Rights**: * You retain the right to post your content elsewhere * You can request content removal (but license remains) * You can update attribution information ### Our Content The Service itself (design, code, trademarks) is owned by RTFM.guide: * Protected by copyright and trademark law * Not licensed to you except as necessary to use the Service * May not be copied, modified, or distributed **RTFM.guide™** is a trademark. Unauthorized use is prohibited. ## Content Guidelines All content must comply with our [Community Guidelines](/community/community-guidelines). ### Prohibited Content * Illegal content * Malware or harmful code * Explicit sexual content * Hate speech or harassment * Spam or deceptive content * Copyright violations * Private information (doxxing) ### Enforcement We may: * Remove violating content * Suspend or ban accounts * Report illegal activity to authorities * Preserve evidence for legal proceedings ## Intellectual Property ### Copyright Policy We respect copyright law and expect users to do the same. **Infringement Reports**: If you believe content infringes your copyright: 1. Email: [dmca@rtfm.guide](mailto:dmca@rtfm.guide) 2. Include: * Description of copyrighted work * Location of infringing content * Your contact information * Good faith statement * Statement of accuracy * Electronic signature **Counter-Notifications**: If your content was removed, you may file a counter-notice following DMCA procedures. **Repeat Infringers**: Accounts with repeated violations will be terminated. ## Disclaimers ### Service "As Is" THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING: * No warranty of accuracy, completeness, or currentness * No warranty of uninterrupted or error-free service * No warranty regarding security or data loss * No warranty of fitness for a particular purpose ### Beta Status During beta: * Features may change without notice * Data may be lost or reset * Service may be interrupted * Bugs and errors are expected ## Limitation of Liability TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW: **We Are Not Liable For**: * Lost profits or data * Indirect or consequential damages * Errors in user-generated content * Third-party actions * Service interruptions **Maximum Liability**: Our total liability shall not exceed \$100 or the amount you paid us (if any) in the past 12 months. **Exceptions**: Nothing limits liability for: * Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation * Death or personal injury from negligence * Violations of consumer protection laws ## Indemnification You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RTFM.guide from claims arising from: * Your use of the Service * Your content * Your violation of these Terms * Your violation of others' rights ## Content Accuracy **User-Generated Content**: Guides are created by users, not us. We don't: * Verify technical accuracy * Test code examples * Endorse any particular approach * Guarantee security or best practices **Your Responsibility**: Always: * Test code in safe environments * Verify information from multiple sources * Use your professional judgment * Keep backups before making changes ## Privacy Your privacy is important to us. Our [Privacy Policy](/legal/privacy) explains how we collect, use, and protect your data. By using the Service, you also agree to the Privacy Policy. ## Modifications to Service We reserve the right to: * Modify or discontinue features * Change pricing (if we introduce paid features) * Update these Terms * Suspend service for maintenance **Notice**: We'll provide reasonable notice of material changes. ## Termination ### By You * Delete your account anytime * Stop using the Service ### By Us We may suspend or terminate your account if you: * Violate these Terms * Engage in harmful behavior * Are inactive for extended periods * For legal or safety reasons ### Effect of Termination * Access immediately revoked * Content may be deleted after grace period * Some provisions survive (liability, indemnification) ## Dispute Resolution ### Governing Law These Terms are governed by United Kingdom law, without regard to conflict of law provisions. ### Informal Resolution Before filing a claim: 1. Contact us at [legal@rtfm.guide](mailto:legal@rtfm.guide) 2. Describe the issue 3. Propose a solution 4. Allow 30 days for response ### Exceptions You may bring claims in small claims court if they qualify. ## General Provisions ### Entire Agreement These Terms, along with our Privacy Policy and Community Guidelines, constitute the entire agreement. ### Severability If any provision is invalid, the rest remains in effect. ### No Waiver Failure to enforce a right doesn't waive it. ### Assignment You can't transfer these Terms. We may assign them to a successor. ### Force Majeure We're not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our control. ### Headings Section headings are for convenience only. ## Beta-Specific Terms During beta testing: **Data Loss**: We may reset or lose data without notice **Downtime**: Extended outages may occur **Feature Changes**: Features may change or be removed **No SLA**: No service level agreement or uptime guarantee **Feedback**: We may use your feedback without compensation **Your Acceptance**: By using the beta, you accept these limitations. ## Export Control You agree not to export or re-export the Service in violation of export control laws. ## Contact Information **General Inquiries**: [support@rtfm.guide](mailto:support@rtfm.guide) **Legal Matters**: [legal@rtfm.guide](mailto:legal@rtfm.guide) **Copyright/DMCA**: [dmca@rtfm.guide](mailto:dmca@rtfm.guide) **Privacy**: [privacy@rtfm.guide](mailto:privacy@rtfm.guide) **Security**: [security@rtfm.guide](mailto:security@rtfm.guide) ## Changes to Terms We may modify these Terms at any time: **Notice**: * Posted on website 30 days before effective * Email to registered users for material changes * Notification banner on Service **Your Options**: * Continue using (acceptance) * Delete account before effective date (rejection) **Last Updated**: January 29, 2025 *** **Questions?** Contact [legal@rtfm.guide](mailto:legal@rtfm.guide) **Download PDF**: [Terms of Service PDF](#) (coming soon) By using RTFM.guide, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.