RetroTechCollection:Terms of Use

Terms of Use
Welcome to the RetroTechCollection Wiki. These Terms of Use govern your access to and use of our collaborative encyclopedia dedicated to vintage technology.

Effective Date: 2nd August 2025

Preamble

The RetroTechCollection Wiki ("we," "us," "our," "the Wiki," or "RetroTechCollection") is a collaboratively edited, multilingual, free-content encyclopedia dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing knowledge about vintage technology, retro computing, historical electronics, and related subjects. Our mission is to create the most comprehensive and accurate resource on technological history, freely accessible to everyone.

These Terms of Use ("Terms," "Agreement") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and RetroTechCollection. By accessing, browsing, or contributing to the Wiki, you signify your acceptance of these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Wiki.

1. Our Services

1.1 The RetroTechCollection Wiki

The RetroTechCollection Wiki provides a platform for collaborative creation and sharing of educational content about vintage technology. Our services include:

• Content Hosting: We provide infrastructure for creating, editing, and accessing encyclopedic articles
• Collaborative Tools: Discussion pages, user pages, and project coordination spaces
• Media Repository: Storage for images, documents, and other media related to vintage technology
• Version Control: Complete history of all edits and changes
• Search and Navigation: Tools to find and explore content
• API Access: Programmatic access to our content under specific conditions

1.2 Scope of Coverage

The Wiki covers:

• Hardware: Vintage computers, calculators, gaming systems, peripherals, and components
• Software: Historical operating systems, applications, programming languages, and games
• Companies and People: Manufacturers, designers, engineers, and key figures in technology history
• Documentation: Manuals, schematics, technical specifications, and repair guides
• Culture and Impact: The societal influence of vintage technology
• Preservation: Restoration techniques, maintenance, and conservation methods

1.3 What We Are Not

The Wiki is not:

• A marketplace for buying or selling vintage technology
• A forum for general discussion unrelated to article improvement
• A social networking platform
• A web hosting service for personal content
• A platform for original research or personal opinions
• A technical support service

2. Eligibility and Registration

2.1 Age Requirements

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 13 years of age to create an account or contribute content
• Parental Consent: Users between 13-18 should have parental permission
• Age Verification: We reserve the right to implement age verification measures
• Underage Users: If we discover a user under 13, we will:
  • Immediately terminate the account
  • Delete all personal information
  • Remove or anonymize contributions at our discretion
  • Report to authorities if required by law

2.2 Account Creation and Management

2.2.1 Creating an Account

To contribute, you must:

• Provide a valid email address
• Choose an appropriate username (see Username Policy)
• Create a secure password
• Agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy
• Complete any required CAPTCHA or verification
• Not use automated means to create accounts

2.2.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your password
• All activities under your account
• Notifying us immediately of unauthorized access
• Not sharing your account with others
• Using strong, unique passwords
• Enabling two-factor authentication when available

2.2.3 Multiple Accounts

• Primary Account: Users should maintain only one primary account
• Alternate Accounts: May be permitted for:
  • Technical testing with prior approval
  • Bots and automated tools (with bot flag)
  • Legitimate privacy concerns (discussed with administrators)
• Prohibited Uses: Multiple accounts must not be used to:
  • Evade blocks or bans
  • Create false consensus
  • Violate any policies
  • Deceive other users

2.3 Username Policy

2.3.1 Acceptable Usernames

Usernames should:

• Be easily distinguishable from other users
• Not cause confusion or disruption
• Reflect the collaborative nature of the project
• Be appropriate for all ages (13+)

2.3.2 Unacceptable Usernames

The following are prohibited:

• Misleading names: Implying official status, authority, or role (e.g., "WikiAdmin", "OfficialModerator")
• Impersonation: Of real people, organizations, or other users
• Offensive content: Profanity, slurs, or inappropriate language
• Promotional: Company names, websites, or commercial services
• Disruptive: Deliberately confusing or inflammatory names
• Technical issues: Names that break site functionality
• Legal issues: Trademark violations or legal threats

2.3.3 Username Changes

• Requests for username changes must be submitted to administrators
• Changes are granted at administrator discretion
• History of contributions will be preserved
• Frequent changes are discouraged

3. Privacy and Data Protection

3.1 Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy explains:

• What information we collect
• How we use and protect your data
• Your rights under UK data protection law
• How to request data deletion or correction

Key privacy principles:

• Minimal Collection: We only collect necessary data
• Transparency: We clearly explain data usage
• Security: We implement appropriate protections
• User Control: You can access and manage your data
• Legal Compliance: We follow UK GDPR and data protection laws

3.2 Public Nature of Contributions

WARNING: Most activity on the Wiki is public and permanent.

• Edit History: All edits are permanently recorded and publicly visible
• User Attribution: Your username appears on all contributions
• IP Addresses: Edits without login may display your IP address
• Deletion: "Deleted" content may still be visible to administrators
• Archives: External sites may archive our content
• No Expectation of Privacy: Do not post private information

3.3 Personal Information

3.3.1 Your Own Information

• You control what personal information to share
• We recommend minimal disclosure
• Consider privacy implications before sharing
• You cannot fully retract public contributions

3.3.2 Others' Information

Never post:

• Private addresses or phone numbers
• Email addresses (except official ones)
• Government ID numbers
• Financial information
• Medical information
• Any non-public personal data

3.4 Right to Vanish

While we support user privacy, the collaborative nature limits "vanishing":

• Account Deletion: We can close accounts on request
• Attribution: We can anonymize your contributions
• Limitations: Edit history and logs remain for integrity
• Process: Contact administrators with specific requests

4. Content Licensing and Intellectual Property

4.1 Content Licensing

4.1.1 Your Contributions

By contributing content, you:

• License Grant: Irrevocably license your contributions under:
  • Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)
  • GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) version 1.3 or later
• Additional Grant: Grant RetroTechCollection a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, and distribute your contributions
• Moral Rights: Waive moral rights to the extent permitted by law
• Warranties: Represent that you have the right to grant these licenses

4.1.2 Attribution Requirements

When reusing Wiki content, you must:

• Provide attribution to RetroTechCollection Wiki
• Include a link to the specific article(s)
• Indicate if changes were made
• Share under the same license (CC BY-SA 4.0)
• Not suggest endorsement by the Wiki

4.1.3 Importing Content

When adding content from elsewhere:

• Compatibility: Ensure license compatibility with CC BY-SA 4.0
• Attribution: Provide complete source attribution
• Permission: Obtain necessary permissions
• Documentation: Record license information on talk pages
• Verification: Be prepared to verify rights if challenged

4.2 Copyright Policy

4.2.1 Copyright Compliance

We respect intellectual property rights:

• Zero Tolerance: Copyright violations are immediately removed
• Fair Use: Limited quotation may be acceptable with proper justification
• Public Domain: Clearly identify public domain content
• Permission: Document all permissions obtained
• DMCA Compliance: We follow Digital Millennium Copyright Act procedures

4.2.2 Reporting Copyright Violations

To report suspected violations:

1. Use the "Copyright Violation" report function
2. Provide specific details of the infringement
3. Include links to original sources
4. Open a ticket on RTC Forum or Contact [email protected] for formal notices

4.2.3 DMCA Procedures

• Takedown Notices: Must include all legally required elements
• Counter-Notices: May be submitted if content was wrongly removed
• Repeat Infringers: Will be permanently banned
• Good Faith: False claims may result in legal liability

4.3 Trademarks

4.3.1 Use of Trademarks

• Descriptive Use: Trademarks may be used to identify products/companies
• No Endorsement: Do not imply endorsement or affiliation
• Accuracy: Use trademarks accurately and appropriately
• Historical Context: Document trademark history where relevant

4.3.2 RetroTechCollection Trademarks

• Our name and logo are protected
• Use requires written permission
• Limited use allowed for attribution
• No commercial use without license

4.4 Media Files

4.4.1 Acceptable Media

• Free Content: CC-licensed, public domain, or GFDL
• Fair Use: Limited use with detailed rationale
• Original Work: Your own photos/diagrams (licensed appropriately)
• Official Materials: With documented permission

4.4.2 File Requirements

• Source: Always provide source information
• Author: Identify the creator
• License: Clearly state the license
• Description: Explain the file's relevance
• Resolution: Use appropriate quality for purpose

4.4.3 Prohibited Media

• Copyrighted material without permission
• Personal photos unrelated to articles
• Inappropriate or offensive content
• Files that violate personality rights
• Watermarked or promotional images

5. Content Standards and Guidelines

5.1 Core Content Principles

5.1.1 Neutral Point of View (NPOV)

All content must:

• Present facts objectively: Without bias or opinion
• Represent all significant views: Proportionate to prominence
• Avoid advocacy: Don't promote particular viewpoints
• Use neutral language: Avoid loaded terms
• Balance coverage: Give due weight to different aspects

5.1.2 Verifiability

• Citations Required: All factual claims need reliable sources
• Reliable Sources: Academic publications, reputable tech publications, official documentation
• Primary Sources: Use with caution, prefer secondary sources
• No Original Research: Don't publish your own theories or analysis
• Burden of Evidence: Those adding content must provide sources

5.1.3 Notability

Articles must demonstrate notability:

• Significant Coverage: In multiple reliable sources
• Historical Impact: On technology development or society
• Lasting Influence: Beyond trivial or temporary interest
• Independent Sources: Not just manufacturer materials
• Objective Evidence: Not just personal memories

5.2 Article Standards

5.2.1 Structure and Format

Articles should include:

• Lead Section: Concise overview of the topic
• Infobox: Key specifications and details
• History: Development and evolution
• Technical Details: Specifications and functionality
• Impact/Legacy: Historical significance
• See Also: Related articles
• References: All sources used
• External Links: Additional resources

5.2.2 Writing Style

• Encyclopedic Tone: Formal but accessible
• Clear Language: Avoid unnecessary jargon
• Present Tense: For current facts
• Past Tense: For historical events
• Active Voice: When appropriate
• Conciseness: Avoid redundancy
• Global Perspective: Not region-specific unless relevant

5.2.3 Technical Content

When documenting technical information:

• Accuracy: Verify all specifications
• Completeness: Include relevant details
• Context: Explain significance
• Accessibility: Define technical terms
• Safety Warnings: Include where appropriate
• Practical Information: Repair tips, common issues

5.3 Prohibited Content

5.3.1 Illegal Content (UK Online Safety Act 2023)

The following content is strictly prohibited and will be immediately removed:

• Terrorism: Content promoting, supporting, or instructing terrorism
• CSEA: Any child sexual exploitation or abuse material
• Self-Harm: Content promoting or instructing suicide or self-harm
• Hate Speech: Based on:
  • Race or ethnicity
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex or gender
  • Sexual orientation
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
• Sexual Content:
  • Revenge pornography
  • Non-consensual intimate images
  • Extreme pornography
  • Any adult content (we are 13+)
• Violence: Content that:
  • Threatens violence
  • Incites violence
  • Glorifies violence
  • Provides instructions for violence
• Criminal Activity:
  • Drug dealing or trafficking
  • Human trafficking
  • Fraud or financial crimes
  • Illegal weapons
  • Hacking or computer crimes
• Dangerous Content:
  • Instructions for weapons/explosives
  • Methods of self-harm
  • Dangerous challenges
  • Harmful misinformation

5.3.2 Harmful but Legal Content

Also prohibited:

• Harassment: Of users or public figures
• Bullying: Especially of minors
• Doxxing: Sharing private information
• Misinformation: Deliberately false content
• Spam: Repetitive or promotional content
• Vandalism: Deliberate damage to articles
• Disruption: Content intended to disrupt the Wiki
• Shock Content: Graphic or disturbing material
• Conspiracy Theories: Without factual basis
• Medical Misinformation: Dangerous health claims

5.3.3 Inappropriate Content

Content unsuitable for our audience:

• Adult Themes: Sexual content or innuendo
• Profanity: Offensive language
• Gore: Graphic violence or injury
• Drug/Alcohol: Promotion or glorification
• Gambling: Promotion or instruction
• Political Advocacy: Partisan content
• Religious Preaching: Evangelical content

5.4 Special Content Areas

5.4.1 Biographies of Living Persons

Extra care required for:

• Accuracy: Heightened verification standards
• Privacy: Respect personal boundaries
• Neutrality: Strict NPOV enforcement
• Sources: High-quality sources only
• Negative Information: Must be highly relevant and well-sourced
• Updates: Keep current and accurate

5.4.2 Company and Product Articles

• Independence: No promotional content
• Criticism: Include if well-sourced and notable
• Specifications: Verify from multiple sources
• History: Document changes over time
• Conflicts of Interest: Must be disclosed

5.4.3 Repair and Modification Guides

• Safety First: Always include warnings
• Accuracy: Test procedures when possible
• Clarity: Step-by-step instructions
• Tools Required: List all necessities
• Skill Level: Indicate difficulty
• Risks: Document potential damage
• Legal Issues: Note warranty implications

6. User Conduct and Community Standards

6.1 Expected Behavior

6.1.1 Core Behavioral Principles

• Assume Good Faith: Presume others are trying to help
• Be Civil: Treat everyone with respect
• Be Collaborative: Work together toward common goals
• Be Patient: With new users and those learning
• Be Helpful: Guide others constructively
• Be Professional: Maintain appropriate conduct

6.1.2 Collaborative Editing

• Discuss Major Changes: Use talk pages for significant edits
• Edit Summaries: Always explain your changes
• Incremental Improvements: Small edits are valuable
• Preserve Others' Work: Don't delete without good reason
• Resolve Conflicts: Through discussion, not edit wars
• Respect Consensus: Follow community decisions

6.1.3 Communication Standards

• Stay On Topic: Keep discussions focused
• Be Concise: Make your point clearly
• Sign Posts: On talk pages with Josh (talk) 00:31, 2 August 2025 (BST)
• Indent Replies: For readable discussions
• Archive Old Discussions: Keep pages manageable
• No Shouting: Avoid excessive capitals

6.2 Prohibited Conduct

6.2.1 Harassment and Abuse

Absolutely prohibited:

• Personal Attacks: Insulting or demeaning others
• Threats: Of any kind, explicit or implied
• Stalking: Following users across pages
• Intimidation: Attempting to silence others
• Discrimination: Based on any protected characteristic
• Sexual Harassment: Including unwanted advances
• Outing: Revealing others' personal information
• Revenge: Retaliation for Wiki actions

6.2.2 Disruptive Behavior

Do not:

• Edit War: Repeatedly revert others' edits
• Game the System: Exploit rules technicalities
• Forum Shop: Seek different answers from different admins
• Filibuster: Obstruct consensus through endless discussion
• Tendentious Editing: Push particular viewpoints
• Sock Puppetry: Use multiple accounts deceptively
• Meat Puppetry: Recruit others to support you
• Trolling: Post to provoke negative reactions

6.2.3 Conflicts of Interest

You must:

• Disclose: Any conflicts on your user page
• Avoid: Editing articles where you have COI
• Request: Others make edits for you
• Be Transparent: About affiliations
• Follow Guidelines: For COI editing if permitted

6.2.4 Legal Threats

• No Legal Threats: Against the Wiki or users
• Immediate Blocking: For legal threat makers
• Proper Channels: Use appropriate legal contacts
• Documentation: Of actual legal issues

6.3 Child Safety Measures

6.3.1 Protection of Minors

• Age-Appropriate: All content must be suitable for 13+
• No Grooming: Zero tolerance for predatory behavior
• Private Contact: Adults should not privately message minors
• Reporting: Immediate action on safety concerns
• Education: Safety resources for young users

6.3.2 Additional Safeguards

For users under 18:

• Enhanced Monitoring: Of interactions
• Privacy Protection: Stricter enforcement
• Limited Features: Some restrictions may apply
• Parental Resources: Information for parents
• Clear Warnings: About online safety

6.4 Dispute Resolution

6.4.1 Resolution Process

1. Direct Discussion: Talk to the other party
2. Third Opinion: Request uninvolved user input
3. Mediation: Formal mediation process
4. Administrator Intervention: For serious issues
5. Arbitration: Final binding decision

6.4.2 During Disputes

• Stay Calm: Don't escalate
• Focus on Content: Not personalities
• Provide Evidence: Support your position
• Compromise: Seek middle ground
• Accept Outcomes: Respect decisions

7. Enforcement and Moderation

7.1 Reporting Violations

7.1.1 How to Report

• Report Button: On all pages
• Administrator Noticeboards: For complex issues
• Email: [email protected]
• Emergency: [email protected]
• Legal Issues: [email protected]

7.1.2 What to Include

• Specific Links: To problematic content
• Description: Of the issue
• Evidence: Supporting your report
• Urgency: If immediate action needed
• Context: Relevant background

7.1.3 Report Response

• Acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
• Initial Review: Within 48 hours
• Action: As appropriate to severity
• Follow-up: Notification of outcomes
• Appeals: Available if disagreement

7.2 Enforcement Actions

7.2.1 Progressive Discipline

For most violations:

1. Information: Education about policies
2. Warning: Formal notice of violation
3. Restrictions: Limited editing privileges
4. Short Block: 24-72 hours
5. Extended Block: Up to one month
6. Indefinite Block: Pending review
7. Ban: Permanent removal

7.2.2 Immediate Actions

For severe violations:

• Illegal Content: Immediate removal and ban
• Child Safety: Immediate protective action
• Threats: Immediate block pending investigation
• Vandalism: Immediate reversion and block
• Spam: Immediate removal and block
• Ban Evasion: Immediate re-blocking

7.2.3 Types of Restrictions

• Page Bans: From specific articles
• Topic Bans: From subject areas
• Interaction Bans: From contacting specific users
• Namespace Restrictions: Limited to certain areas
• Revert Restrictions: Limited reverting ability
• Account Creation: Blocked from new accounts

7.3 Appeals Process

7.3.1 Appeal Requirements

Appeals must:

• Acknowledge: The violation
• Explain: Why action was inappropriate
• Commit: To following rules
• Be Civil: Respectful tone
• Be Patient: Allow time for review

7.3.2 Appeal Process

1. Initial Appeal: To blocking administrator
2. Secondary Appeal: To uninvolved administrator
3. Community Review: At administrator discretion
4. Final Appeal: To [email protected]
5. Waiting Period: 6 months before re-appeal

7.3.3 Appeal Outcomes

• Unblock: Full restoration
• Conditional Unblock: With restrictions
• Decline: With explanation
• Decline with Prejudice: No further appeals

7.4 Administrator Standards

7.4.1 Administrator Conduct

Administrators must:

• Be Impartial: No involved situations
• Be Transparent: Explain actions
• Be Proportionate: Match response to violation
• Be Consistent: Apply rules equally
• Be Accountable: Accept review of actions
• Be Professional: Model good behavior

7.4.2 Administrator Limitations

Administrators cannot:

• Act Unilaterally: On major decisions
• Ignore Consensus: Community decisions binding
• Abuse Tools: For personal benefit
• Protect Pages: They're editing
• Block Users: They're disputing with
• Override: Other admins without discussion

8. Technical Policies

8.1 Bot Policy

8.1.1 Bot Requirements

• Approval: Required before operation
• Bot Flag: Must be granted by bureaucrat
• Purpose: Clear, beneficial function
• Testing: Demonstrate safe operation
• Compliance: With all bot policies
• Emergency Stop: Respond to stop requests

8.1.2 Bot Operations

• Edit Rate: Reasonable limits
• Edit Summaries: Clear descriptions
• User Page: Document bot function
• Supervision: Operator responsibility
• Malfunctions: Immediate shutdown
• Appeals: Through operator

8.2 API Usage

8.2.1 Acceptable Use

• Read Access: Generally permitted
• Edit Access: Requires approval
• Rate Limits: Must be respected
• Attribution: Required for reuse
• Commercial Use: Special permission needed

8.2.2 Prohibited Uses

• Denial of Service: Overwhelming servers
• Data Scraping: Excessive downloading
• Spam: Automated spam creation
• Circumvention: Of blocks or bans
• Malicious: Any harmful purpose

8.3 JavaScript and CSS

8.3.1 User Scripts

• Personal Use: Generally allowed
• Sharing: With proper documentation
• Safety: User assumes risk
• Compatibility: Not guaranteed
• Support: Community-based only

8.3.2 Gadgets

• Proposal: Through proper channels
• Review: Security and functionality
• Maintenance: Ongoing requirement
• Deprecation: With notice
• User Choice: Opt-in basis

9. Legal Notices

9.1 Disclaimers

9.1.1 No Warranty

THE WIKI IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Accuracy or completeness of information
• Fitness for any particular purpose
• Non-infringement of third-party rights
• Availability or uninterrupted access
• Security or error-free operation

9.1.2 No Professional Advice

The Wiki does not provide:

• Technical Advice: Repairs at your own risk
• Legal Advice: Consult qualified professionals
• Medical Advice: For vintage equipment hazards
• Financial Advice: For collecting/investing
• Safety Guarantees: Verify all procedures

9.1.3 External Links

• We don't control external websites
• Links don't imply endorsement
• We're not responsible for external content
• Use external sites at your own risk
• Report problematic links

9.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RetroTechCollection and its volunteers shall not be liable for:

• Direct Damages: From use of the Wiki
• Indirect Damages: Consequential or incidental
• Data Loss: Corruption or deletion
• Economic Loss: Financial impacts
• Personal Injury: From following guides
• Property Damage: From technical information
• Third-Party Claims: Arising from your use

9.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless RetroTechCollection, its administrators, volunteers, and service providers from:

• Your violations of these Terms
• Your violations of any rights of others
• Your content contributions
• Your use of the Wiki
• Claims arising from your actions
• Legal costs and attorneys' fees

9.4 Governing Law

9.4.1 Applicable Law

• Governed by laws of England and Wales
• UK Online Safety Act 2023 applies
• UK GDPR and data protection laws apply
• Without regard to conflict of law principles

9.4.2 Jurisdiction

• Courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction
• You consent to personal jurisdiction there
• Service of process by email acceptable
• Enforcement subject to local law

9.4.3 International Users

• You're responsible for local law compliance
• We may restrict access by jurisdiction
• No circumvention of geographic restrictions
• Report access issues to administrators

10. Modifications and Termination

10.1 Modification of Terms

10.1.1 Our Rights

We may modify these Terms:

• At Any Time: With or without notice
• For Any Reason: Including legal compliance
• Effective Immediately: Or with delayed implementation
• Partially: Specific sections only
• Temporarily: For specific circumstances

10.1.2 Notification

• Major Changes: Announced on Main Page
• User Notice: Registered users may be notified
• Version History: All changes documented
• Review Period: May be provided for input
• Continued Use: Constitutes acceptance

10.2 Termination

10.2.1 Voluntary Termination

You may stop using the Wiki:

• At Any Time: No notice required
• Account Closure: Request via email
• Content Remains: Contributions stay
• License Continues: Already granted rights persist
• No Refunds: Of any donations

10.2.2 Involuntary Termination

We may terminate your access:

• For Violations: Of these Terms
• Without Notice: For severe violations
• Partially: Specific features only
• Temporarily: Pending investigation
• Permanently: For repeated violations

10.2.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination:

• Access Ends: To editing features
• Content Remains: Previous contributions
• Licenses Continue: No revocation
• Obligations Survive: Certain Terms provisions
• No Circumvention: Of termination

11. Miscellaneous Provisions

11.1 Entire Agreement

• These Terms constitute the entire agreement
• Supersede all previous agreements
• Include Privacy Policy by reference
• Include other policies as applicable

11.2 Severability

• Invalid provisions will be severed
• Remaining provisions continue in force
• Court may modify invalid provisions
• Intent will be preserved where possible

11.3 No Waiver

• No waiver unless in writing
• Single waiver doesn't imply future waivers
• Delay doesn't constitute waiver
• Partial enforcement doesn't waive remainder

11.4 Assignment

• By You: You may not assign these Terms
• By Us: We may assign to successors
• Binding: On permitted successors
• Notice: Of any assignment

11.5 Force Majeure

Neither party liable for failures due to:

• Natural disasters
• War or terrorism
• Government actions
• Internet infrastructure failures
• Other events beyond reasonable control

11.6 Notices

11.6.1 To You

• Via email to registered address
• Via Wiki notification system
• Via Main Page announcements
• Deemed received after 48 hours

11.6.2 To Us

• Email to specified addresses
• Physical mail to registered address
• Through official contact forms
• Effective upon receipt

11.7 Interpretation

• Headings for convenience only
• "Including" means "including but not limited to"
• "Or" is inclusive unless stated
• Singular includes plural and vice versa
• No construction against drafter

12. Special Provisions

12.1 Research and Data Use

12.1.1 Academic Research

• Public content may be studied
• Aggregate data may be analyzed
• Individual privacy protected
• Results may be published
• No obligation to participate

12.1.2 Content Reuse

• Must comply with CC BY-SA 4.0
• Commercial use requires attribution
• Modified versions must be indicated
• Share-alike requirement applies
• No additional restrictions

12.2 Donations and Support

12.2.1 Voluntary Donations

• Not required for access
• No special privileges granted
• Non-refundable
• Tax-deductible where applicable
• Transparent use reporting

12.2.2 Grants and Sponsorships

• Must align with mission
• No editorial influence
• Publicly disclosed
• Community oversight
• Ethical guidelines apply

12.3 Community Governance

12.3.1 Policy Development

• Community-driven process
• Proposals openly discussed
• Consensus-based decisions
• Implementation by administrators
• Regular review cycles

12.3.2 Elections and Appointments

• Administrators elected by community
• Bureaucrats appointed by consensus
• Term limits may apply
• Recall procedures exist
• Transparency required

12.4 Technical Infrastructure

12.4.1 Service Availability

• No guarantee of uptime
• Maintenance windows scheduled
• Emergency maintenance possible
• Backup procedures in place
• Disaster recovery planning

12.4.2 Data Preservation

• Regular backups performed
• Version history maintained
• Catastrophic loss possible
• User backups recommended
• Export tools provided

13. Contact Information

13.1 General Contacts

General Inquiries:

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact: Open a ticket on RTC Forum
• Response Time: 48-72 hours typically

Technical Support:

• Email: [email protected]
• Wiki: Open a ticket on RTC Forum
• IRC: #retrotechcollection

Legal Matters:

• Contact: Open a ticket on RTC Forum or [email protected]
• Must be formal legal correspondence
• Served to registered agent

13.2 Specialized Contacts

Safety and Abuse:

• Contact: Open an emergency ticket on RTC Forum or [email protected]
• Response: Within 24 hours

Copyright/DMCA:

• Contact: Open a ticket on RTC Forum or [email protected]
• Must include all required elements
• False claims may incur liability

Press and Media:

• Contact: [email protected]
• Credential verification required
• Spokesperson available

Donations:

• Contact: [email protected]
• Tax information available
• Recognition opportunities

14. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms:

• Administrator: User with elevated privileges elected by community
• Article: Main namespace content page
• Ban: Permanent prohibition from editing
• Block: Temporary prohibition from editing
• Bot: Automated or semi-automated editing tool
• Bureaucrat: User who can grant administrator rights
• CC BY-SA 4.0: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
• Checkuser: User who can view IP addresses for investigations
• Content: Any text, images, or other material on the Wiki
• Contribution: Any edit, upload, or other addition to the Wiki
• Copyright Violation: Unauthorized use of copyrighted material
• CSEA: Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
• Diff: Difference between two versions of a page
• Doxxing: Publishing private information about individuals
• Edit War: Repeated reverting of each other's edits
• GFDL: GNU Free Documentation License
• IP Address: Internet Protocol address
• MediaWiki: The software powering the Wiki
• Namespace: Category of pages (Article, Talk, User, etc.)
• NPOV: Neutral Point of View
• Oversight: Removal of content from all public view
• Page: Any page on the Wiki
• Policy: Formal rules adopted by community consensus
• Registered User: User with an account
• Revert: Undoing another's edit
• Rollback: Quick revert tool for vandalism
• Sock Puppet: Deceptive use of multiple accounts
• Spam: Unsolicited promotional content
• Sysop: Alternative term for Administrator
• Talk Page: Discussion page associated with articles
• Template: Reusable content block
• Troll: User who deliberately disrupts
• User: Anyone accessing the Wiki
• Vandalism: Deliberate damage to content
• Wiki: The RetroTechCollection Wiki
• WikiText: MediaWiki markup language

15. Appendices

Appendix A: Quick Reference - Prohibited Content

Immediately Removed:

• Terrorism content
• CSEA material
• Self-harm promotion
• Hate speech
• Revenge porn
• Violence threats
• Illegal activity
• Weapons instructions
• Copyright violations

Not Allowed:

• Harassment/bullying
• Personal attacks
• Doxxing
• Spam
• Vandalism
• Adult content
• Graphic violence
• Misinformation
• Original research

Appendix B: Enforcement Quick Reference

Minor Violations:

1. Warning
2. 24hr block
3. 72hr block
4. 1 week block
5. 1 month block
6. Indefinite block

Major Violations:

• Immediate indefinite block
• No warnings given
• Appeal after 6 months

Illegal Content:

• Immediate removal
• Permanent ban
• Report to authorities
• No appeals

Appendix C: Useful Links

Help Pages:

• Help:Getting Started - New user guide
• Help:Editing - How to edit articles
• Help:Citations - How to cite sources
• Help:Images - Image use policy
• Help:Categories - Categorization system
• Help:Templates - Using templates

Policy Pages:

• RetroTechCollection:Five Pillars - Core principles
• RetroTechCollection:Neutral Point of View - NPOV policy
• RetroTechCollection:Verifiability - Sourcing requirements
• RetroTechCollection:No Original Research - Research policy
• RetroTechCollection:Notability - Inclusion criteria
• RetroTechCollection:Copyright - Copyright policy

Community Pages:

• RetroTechCollection:Village Pump - General discussion
• RetroTechCollection:Administrators' Noticeboard - Report issues
• RetroTechCollection:Requests for Comment - Major discussions
• RetroTechCollection:Featured Articles - Best content
• RetroTechCollection:Community Portal - Get involved

Process Pages:

• RetroTechCollection:Dispute Resolution - Solving conflicts
• RetroTechCollection:Deletion Policy - Removal process
• RetroTechCollection:Protection Policy - Page protection
• RetroTechCollection:Blocking Policy - User blocks
• RetroTechCollection:Arbitration - Final dispute resolution

Appendix D: Emergency Procedures

Child Safety Emergency:

1. Immediately block involved accounts
2. Remove all concerning content
3. Contact: Immediately open an emergency ticket on RTC Forum or [email protected]
4. Document everything
5. Report to authorities if required

Legal Emergency:

1. Do not delete evidence
2. Protect involved pages
3. Contact: Open an emergency ticket on RTC Forum or [email protected]
4. Await instructions
5. Do not discuss publicly

Technical Emergency:

1. Report to admins immediately
2. Document the issue
3. Attempt workarounds
4. Contact: Open a technical ticket on RTC Forum or [email protected]
5. Update status page

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Acknowledgment

By using the RetroTechCollection Wiki, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use in their entirety.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Wiki.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

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Document Version: 1.0 Effective Date: 02/08/2025 Last Modified: 02 March 2026 Next Review: [02/08/2025 + 6 months]