VintageBMX.com Terms and Conditions and Rules of Conduct
Created September 26, 2007, revised February 27, 2009

Thank you for taking to time to read the Terms and Conditions and Rules of Conduct on VintageBMX.com. In creating these guidelines, it is our hope that all users have a clear understanding of what is and is not in bounds.


- Do I have to register?

To Read (lurk), no. To participate (post and reply), yes. We offer a basic account, for which registration is free. We also offer a "Site Supporter" account which provides additional benefits and access, in exchange for an annual subscription donation. We recommend using your real name as your user display name. This way, people from years ago can find you.


- Why can't I type IN ALL CAPS?

It's considered rude. A post typed in all caps is the same as shouting, and shouting is rude. Have you ever been in a conversation or a setting and somebody was talking at the top of their voice? Wasn't it annoying? When you post IN ALL CAPS, you're that person.

- What is my ____ worth?

The true value of vintage bicycles and components can be difficult to determine. Unlike other "collectibles", there isn't a BMX pricing guide. A fair price is one that will make you happy when you buy or sell something. If you are happy with a price, then that price determines the value of your item.

Bottom line: It's worth whatever you can buy it for or get someone to pay for it. VintageBMX.com is a resource for BMXers. It is not intended to be, nor should it be used as a pricing guide.

If you're not sure what that price should be, consider an auction. If you don't want to sell it because it's really worth more than money to you, we understand completely. We're more interested in the attachment to BMX, and the value of that is beyond money.

- Why did the admins or mods delete my post? Why did they remove a link from my post?

One of three possible reasons:

1) It was judged offensive.

We understand that the general audience of this site is over 18. But, it is important for you to understand that the largest age demographic in BMX is 13-15 years. We encourage families to participate in the discussions on the site together (meaning a 13 year old and her dad may be jointly viewing your posts). Posts on the board are moderated for the benefit of a "family audience." We will always moderate to the side of caution.

Sometimes, the removal or redaction of a post is necessary because it runs afoul of copyright or other US laws. We do not permit posting of copyrighted material on VintageBMX.com, unless you are the rightful owner of that intellectual property.

The argument has historically been made: "They could hear worse than [that word] in [some public place]." That's true, they could. We can't control that. We can control what they hear and see at this site, and will continue to exercise that control.

2) You were advertising a commercial product or service without prior arrangement with the site owners.

VintageBMX.com is an advertising-supported community. As such, it is important for commercial interests to respect our paying advertisers by either purchasing an ad of their own, or seeking other outlets on which to promote their products. If you are interested in advertising, our ad information can be found here.

3). You were promoting another Web site in your post or signature.

VintageBMX.com is one of the largest BMX communities on the Internet. As such, we have tens of thousands of people visiting the site each month. Naturally, this traffic is attractive to people wishing to promote their own Web site. In order to protect our users from objectionable content, we do not permit the promotion of other Web sites in your signature, or in your posts. Site supporters and paying advertisers are generally exempt from this rule, but we reserve the right to refuse advertising or site supporter donations at our sole discretion.

Beyond the above, it is important to understand that, as a privately-owned outlet, we reserve the right to delete any content from the site at any time, with or without cause. We do not, and cannot review, fact-check or verify the accuracy of posted content. VintageBMX, Inc. is not responsible for content posted by its members, or other third parties, nor shall it be responsible for the opinions, views and actions of site members.

What about my "Right to Free Speech?"

On the streets of America, you have a constitutional right to free speech, this is true. On a private message board, such as VintageBMX.com, your right to free speech also exists. However, as previously stated, we reserve the right to delete any content from the site at any time, with or without cause. This means that you are fully free to voice your opinion, but we can choose not to subject our users to it by deleting your posts or, in the extreme, by deleting your account. If you want to exercise unrestricted free speech, please create your own Web site and do so.

- How do I know what's okay to post and what isn't? How do I know what's offensive?

You might remember the old George Carlin routine about "The Seven Words You Can't Say on Television." We remember it, and will delete posts containing, or links pointing to text containing, any of those seven words, including "clever" keyboard tricks to infer these words with altered spelling. We will also delete graphics deemed objectionable, or links to these graphics. This includes links to websites with objectionable graphics displayed.

Content which is racist, obscene or pornographic in nature will be redacted (edited) or deleted. Posts which threaten violence, or seek to incite conflict will be addressed very seriously, and may lead to the offending user being suspended or banned from further participation on the site, in addition to the deletion of the offending content.

VintageBMX.com shall cooperate with and/all formal law enforcement requests concerning the conduct of our users.

If you're not sure, or if it's "on the line," don't post it.

- Why was my topic locked?

Threads are locked for a few reasons. It could be because a similar topic exists elsewhere on the site (in most cases, we "merge" those topics, however). Normally it is because there is a contentious discussion in progress which has deteriorated to personal attacks. Threads which once WERE productive, but have degenerated into personal attacks will usually be allowed to remain on the site, but will be locked. Threads which were started for the exclusive reason of mounting a personal attack will usually be deleted straightaway. Threads can also be locked to ensure "one-way" communication from a particular source (a manufacturer or sanctioning body wants to release information, but does not want questions directed to the forum, but to them directly).

- Why can't people reply to my "For Sale" ad in the Classified forum?

Because it's a classified section, just like the one in the newspaper. If you have it for sale, people will contact you directly, not through the site.

- Do you keep old posts?

We keep posts for as long as technological limits permit. There is no guarantee as to how long posted content will be retained, and you should never rely on this as the only source for such information. The software we use allows users to "download a topic" for archival purposes.

- Are my "Private Messages" really private?

First, it's important to clarify that it is the PERSONAL Messenger, not the PRIVATE Messenger. Though administrators cannot look inside your account (without changing your password to do so, in which case you'd know about it), we do not take any special measure beyond implementation of a user name and password to safeguard the privacy of any content on the board, Personal Messages included. You should not feel an expectation of privacy while posting on VintageBMX.

- What are user titles?

Each registered member has a title that reflects his or her "rank" on this board. Administrators are given the title "Admin". Moderators are given the title "moderator". Some members are given special titles by the administration. All other users are given their titles based on the number of posts they have made:
Posts Title
0 Looking over the Fence
31 Novice
75 Intermediate
200 Expert
400 A Pro
1500 AA Pro
3500 Vet Pro

- How can I change my registration profile?

You may easily change any info stored in your registration profile, using the "profile" link located near the top of each page. You must be logged in in order to update your profile.

- How can I clear all cookies set on this board?

If you ever experience login problems, you may have a problem with the cookies that have been set in your browser. If this happens, you can try clearing all cookies set on this message board using your browser's tools.

-I can't log in. I've tried re-setting my password, and everything I can think of, but it will not allow me to log in.

VintageBMX.com uses TWO user names: a LOGIN name, and a DISPLAY name. Your DISPLAY name cannot be used to login. If you lost or forgot your login name, please contact an administrator.

- Can I edit my own posts?

You may edit or delete your own posts for 10 minutes following making the post. Look for the edit icon on the post to be edited. No one else can edit your post, except for the forum moderator(s) or the message board administrators. A note is generated at the bottom of each post that is edited so that every one knows when a post has been edited. Note that if your post was the start of a new topic, deleting your post will result in the removal of the entire topic (all replies after your topic will also be deleted). Please note that your board administrators may disable the ability of members to edit or delete posts.

- Can I search?

You may search for specific posts based on a word or words found in the posts, by a particular registered member, by date, and/or by forum. Just click on the "search" link at the top of most pages.

- I want to submit my bike to the museum, how do I do that?

We are not taking additional submissions to the museum at this time, but will be upgrading the software so you can submit your own builds.

- What's "old school?"

Here, we set the cutoff at 1989. While some disagree with this standard, Vintage BMX maintains old school ends at that year.

- Why won't you put my mid-school bike in the museum?

This is an old school BMX site, and we've set old school as having a 1989 cutoff. For a lot of reasons, including server space, we won't post bikes to the museum if they're newer than 1989.

- I submitted my bike for the museum and it is taking a long time for it to show up there, why?

We do our best, but we're busy, we have lives off the Internet, and jobs and lots of things, and sometimes it just takes awhile. We get a lot of submissions to the museum and do our best to process them as quick as we can. We're working on it, we promise, but there's only so many hours in a day. Please be patient.

- What I typed is not what showed up on the page. What's up with that?

The message board software has "language filters" built in, which are administered by the site owners. Certain words which are outside our "accepted use" will be redacted with asterisks, or with phrases which more suitably depict the sentiment expressed. Language filters are not an exact science, however, so certain words or phrases may be filtered out of context. Please realize that the any filtering of words, if any, is being performed automatically, by the software and not by a live person.


- The Cafe forum gets kind of nuts. Can't you do anything about it?

Yeah, we'll grant you, The Cafe forum can get a bit wacky at times, and argumentative at other times. But The Cafe works because it extends the relationships in this community past BMX, and into the realm of current events, politics, religion, and life in general. Most members who participate in the Cafe value the friendships they have developed with other members as a result of their posts. It's a place to talk about something other than BMX with your BMX buddies, and a *little* additional leeway is granted in furtherance of that. As such, it is recommended that you not read the Cafe in the presence of children.

- How many user accounts am I allowed?

One, and only ONE! Users attempting to create more than a single user ID for Vintage BMX will have all of his or her accounts suspended or deleted without notice, and may have their IP address banned from our system.

- What do I do if I forget my login ID and/or password?

Retrieving your login ID and password is simple. All of the pages that require you to identify yourself with your username and password carry a "lost password" link that you can use to have your username and password emailed instantly to your email address of record.

- Can I sell products on Vintage BMX?

As stated earlier, VintageBMX.com is an advertiser-supported community. As such, we are very serious in protecting their investment by both encouraging our members to buy from our advertisers, and by protecting their investment by not allowing commercial ventures to post in the free "for sale" forum.

You may sell your products or services on the site by purchasing an ad button or banner. If you are not a paying advertiser, and use the site to solicit the sale of products or services, your content will be deleted without notice. Repeated violations may be grounds to have your account terminated.

Paid advertisers wishing to post items for sale in the "For Sale" forum are free to do so, but should mark these posts as "Advertisement" in the "sub topic" to avoid confusion with member posts.

If you are interested in becoming a VintageBMX advertiser, please view our Ad information page, and follow the steps there to contact the site owner.

- What are the rules behind avatars and signatures?

An "avatar" is the little picture representation that goes under your name. It is supposed to be a picture of you, so other members can put a "face with the name," however it is accepted practice to use an image which reflects you, or your personal style in some way. Avatars may not be animated, and must not, in any way, be offensive to other members. VintageBMX is a community. As such, all members must make an effort to get along with each other, and make this an enjoyable place for all.

A "signature" is the area under each one of your posts. It is generally used to sign off your posts a certain way, by adding your name, or a famous quotation you hold near and dear. It may not contain images of any kind, and may contain a link, but only to your personal blog, team or track site.

Because of the fact that every post you make contains both your avatar and your signature, it directly affects the user experience of this site. As such we will exercise greater control over these items than we might over your personal photo attached to your profile (which still must meet certain acceptability guidelines, but is not enforced as heavily as the aforementioned).

If we see a signature or avatar which violates these guidelines, we will take it down without notice. If your signature or avatar has suddenly changed, it has been removed by the administrator. This means you should not replace it with the same thing that was taken down. The administrators will not engage in "battles" with users over avatars and signature lines. If you continually post inappropriate material, your account will be suspended and/or banned from access. if you have a question as to whether an avatar or signature line is acceptable, please send it to a moderator in advance of posting it for direction.

- Can I talk about products on Vintage BMX?

This is kind of tricky but, generally, yes. Because our members count on VBMX for information regarding what is new in BMX, posts providing information about what is new and exciting are permitted, but only as informational posts. You may not present products or services as being for sale. You may illustrate new products, but only for information. However, informational posts which contain opportunities to purchase (i.e. "You should buy this," "Contact me to purchase," "visit my Web site," etc.) will be treated as a solicitation. If you are soliciting business for your products and are not a paid advertiser, your post will be deleted and your account may be suspended or banned.

Repeated "information only" posts will be interpreted as an effort to end-run this policy and will be treated accordingly. An information-only post may not have contact information included in the post, exclusive of a corporate website. If you are not sure if your post meets the criteria, check with a site administrator prior to placing your post.



- How can I report an inappropriate post?

If you see a post that you believe requires immediate attention from a moderator or administrator, click "report post" button. You can then write a brief note explaining why you are reporting this post. The alert goes to the forum moderator(s) and the board administrator via email.


-Someone is saying something bad about me. Take it down, or I'll sue you.

Vintage BMX, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the views, opinions and conduct of users participating in this community. If someone is speaking ill of you, take it up with them directly, OFF OF OUR SITE. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 states "No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider." That provision has been tested in countless cases since the passing of the law, and we feel very secure in the fact that if you sue us because of something someone else said about you on our site, we'll win, and you'll have to pay our expenses.

Users who threaten legal action against us will likely have their accounts suspended or banned...not in retaliation, but because we simply do not have the time to babysit all the armchair legal experts who fill up our PM boxes on a weekly basis. Best thing to do is use the PM system to resolve the conflict with the author of the post, like the ladies and gentlemen we know you all are. DO NOT engage in wars of words in the open forum.


- Anything else I should know?

Yes: If you try to end run the rules by some (what you think is) clever ruse, such action will be treated the same as someone breaking the rules outright. Even better, if the moderation team decides you've broken a rule, you've broken a rule. There is no "technicality" involved.

Also, don't fall victim to what the prophet once called "silicon stones." This is an affliction in which the person posting a message acts, through his/her writing, in a way that is more aggressive, bombastic or obnoxious that s/he would act if the person reading the post were standing directly in front of you (at a race, or vintage Event, for example...). Learn it. Know it. Live it.

-DMCA Contact Info

If you find there is material posted on VintageBMX.com that violates your ownership of a copyright or trademark, please notify us of this fact so we can investigate the issue and, when warranted, remove such content, consistent with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Please direct your inquiry to:

DMCA Administrator - VBMX
Fiodan Action Sports Group, Inc.
1400 West Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60642