I hereby agree to abide by the terms and conditions as stated in the Users Agreement and the Rules of Use.

(Signature and Date)____________________________________________________________________________________

USER’S AGREEMENT
In consideration of being accepted as a member of the Garrett Rural Information Cooperative (GRIC, Inc.) and being authorized to use the services of the Garrett Community Network (GCNET), members or users agree for themselves, their legal representatives, their heirs and assigns, to hereby release and discharge the Board of Directors of GRIC, Inc., their officials and employees, heirs and assigns, and all other persons, businesses and organizations involved with the provision of GRIC, Inc. and GCNET services from any and all liability for loss or damage on account of indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages or losses arising out of membership in GRIC, Inc. or participation in GCNET services, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, even if GRIC, Inc. or its Board of Directors had been advised of or should have reasonably known of the possibility of such damage or loss.

In addition, the user agrees to defend and indemnify and hold harmless GRIC, Inc. and its Board of Directors, and their heirs and assigns, from and against any an all claims, proceedings, damages, injuries, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) relating to any acts by the user or materials or information transmitted by the user in connection with the use of the GCNET, leading wholly or partially to claims against GRIC, Inc. by other callers or parties.

Although the Garrett Rural Information Cooperative, Inc. is a member owned cooperative, it is not a charitable organization under the code of the United States Internal Revenue Service. In compliance with IRS code regarding fund raising, GRIC, Inc. hereby notifies the public that GRIC memberships and fees for services are NOT tax deductible.

Adoption of Rules: Rules for the use and governance of the Garrett Community Network (GCNET) and related services may be adopted, amended and promulgated at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Garrett Rural Information Cooperative. The GRIC, Inc. Board may also conduct referendums of the System's users to determine whether certain rules or policies should be adopted.
False Registration Information: Giving false information on the GCNET registration form is strictly prohibited.
Misrepresentation of Billing Status: Misrepresentation of one's status for billing purposes, e.g., representing a business as a residential user, is strictly prohibited. Violators will be billed for unpaid prior services and assessed 5% back interest.
Business and Residential Status: All residences that regularly conduct business for profit from the place of residence are classified as businesses and are required to pay the applicable subscriber fee rates.
Subsidiaries and Subdivisions: User fees are not assessed on a per site basis. Businesses wishing to have services at multiple sites may do so for the monthly business subscriber's fee.
Bill Payment: Bills will be mailed or posted the first of the month as a message in each subscriber's E-mail account. Bills must be paid within ten (10) days of receipt.
Non- Usage of Accounts and Cancellations: Monthly fees are due regardless of non-usage. Cancellations will not take effect until written notification is received by GCNet. Until notified, your account will continue to be billed. To close your account it must be paid in full.
Help Desk Support: GRIC, Inc., Inc. will provide technical support to assist members in becoming operational and continuing services on GCNET. Users are responsible for having the basic knowledge and skills necessary for operating their computer.
Profanity and Obscenity: Use of profanity or obscenity on the Garrett Community Network is strictly prohibited. However, System users should understand that the Internet, over which GRIC, Inc. has no control, contains access to information parents and individuals may find objectionable. The GRIC, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the content of information accessible on the GCNET. Individual system users are responsible for monitoring the use of their accounts.
Unauthorized Use of Accounts: The GRIC, Inc. is not responsible for the use or misuse of subscriber's telephone lines or computer equipment. The registered user bears sole responsibility for the control, management, security, and authorized use of his/her information system. Bills are based entirely on the usage of the GCNET irrespective of whether the usage is authorized or unauthorized. Misuse of accounts by minors, family members, employees, or others is the responsibility of the account holder. Minors are prohibited from holding accounts.
Illegal System Usage: GCNet may not be used to conduct or encourage any activity which is in violation of any applicable State or federal law including but not limited to illegal drug trafficking or use, gambling, pornography, prostitution, child pornography, robbery, spreading computer viruses, or trafficking in credit card codes. Anyone hacking into or making unauthorized entry in to GCNet, any part or peripheral thereof, or into any GRIC membership or customer’s E-mail or otherwise interrupting Customer’s services will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.
System Security: Individual and business users have a right to the privacy or security of their accounts. Any users endeavoring to penetrate the security of other users' accounts will be immediately and permanently removed from the GCNET and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of age.
Ownership Rights: Users retain all rights to all original messages they post and all original files they upload onto the GCNET. Users are not permitted to post or upload messages or files onto the system unless they own them or have acquired the authority to transmit them onto the System subject to the rules of use prescribed herein. The Garrett Rural Information Cooperative of McHenry, Maryland and others own certain materials and features of the GCNET including elements of style and format, the System name, the sequencing of messages on the System, and other System features. No part of our System can be reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of the GRIC, Inc. Board of Directors
Penalties for Rule Violation: Rule violators may be suspended from the GCNET without refund. "Suspension" means "temporary or permanent denial of access to the System."