Saint Louis Weather Club (STLWC)

Comprehensive Terms and Conditions, Intellectual Property, Entity Status, YouTube Media, Chat Guidelines, and Cookie Use Policy
Effective Date: May 1, 2025
Governing Jurisdiction: State of Missouri, United States
Organization: Saint Louis Weather Club, a Missouri-based unincorporated association (“STLWC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”)

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, using, or interacting with any services, platforms, communications, digital or physical resources, media, or affiliated content provided by the Saint Louis Weather Club (“STLWC”), including but not limited to websites, chatrooms, messaging systems, video platforms such as YouTube, or Weather Alert Messaging System (WAMS), you expressly acknowledge and agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”), including all incorporated policies referenced herein. If you do not agree to all terms, you must immediately discontinue use of all STLWC services.

2. Authorized Use and Restrictions

You agree to use all STLWC platforms, systems, resources, and services solely for lawful, constructive, mission-aligned purposes consistent with STLWC’s objectives of weather safety education, community engagement, and public awareness. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

• Submission or dissemination of knowingly false, misleading, defamatory, harassing, or disruptive content;
  
  

• Public misrepresentation or ridicule of STLWC, its leadership, volunteers, or members without explicit prior written authorization;
  
  

• Attempts to compromise platform security, circumvent access controls, or interfere with STLWC operations;
  
  

• Use of STLWC resources for commercial gain, fundraising, or solicitation without explicit authorization.
  
  

STLWC reserves the right to refuse, remove, or moderate content or behavior deemed harmful, inappropriate, or inconsistent with these Terms.

3. User Access Control and Enforcement

Exclusive authority to grant, suspend, restrict, or revoke user access to STLWC services lies with the President and Vice Presidents. Actions may be taken without prior notice and for any reason deemed appropriate, including violation of these Terms. Disciplinary measures include warnings, suspensions (temporary or indefinite), and permanent bans (“infinite bans”). Moderators may issue warnings and enforce guidelines but cannot impose bans or suspensions.

4. Weather Alert Messaging System (WAMS)

Subscription to STLWC’s Weather Alert Messaging System constitutes express consent to receive electronic communications regarding severe weather threats in the Greater St. Louis region. To unsubscribe, users must submit a formal, written opt-out request to wams@stlweatherclub.org. Requests may require up to seven (7) business days to process and may include identity verification to maintain security.

5. User Data Submissions and Usage

By submitting weather reports, photographs, videos, or other content to STLWC, you irrevocably grant STLWC a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide license to retain, publish, modify, reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use such submissions at STLWC’s sole discretion. Submission does not imply or guarantee publication, attribution, or direct feedback.

All submitted reports must be based on firsthand observation. Forecast-based, speculative, or third-party sourced submissions are strictly prohibited.

6. Data Collection and Privacy

STLWC collects user data, including but not limited to geographic location, device information, browser type, IP addresses, and session activity. Such data is used exclusively for internal research, operational optimization, emergency preparedness, and service improvement. Public disclosure of collected data requires explicit STLWC leadership approval.

STLWC may communicate with users via email for administrative or operational purposes unrelated to weather alerts. For detailed information regarding data practices, users should refer to the official STLWC Privacy Policy.

7. Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions

Violations of these Terms or related policies may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings;
  
  

• Limitations or restrictions on account capabilities;
  
  

• Suspension of posting or editing privileges;
  
  

• Temporary, indefinite, or IP-based bans;
  
  

• Permanent removal from STLWC services.
  
  

Disciplinary decisions rest solely with STLWC leadership. Repeat violations may escalate sanctions. Moderators enforce guidelines but cannot impose bans.

8. Fraudulent Weather Reporting

Deliberate submission of false or misleading weather reports is a grave offense. STLWC enforces a graduated penalty system:

• First offense: Official notation on user record;
  
  

• Second offense: Flagging user as unreliable;
  
  

• Third offense: Confirmed unreliable status;
  
  

• Fifth offense: Temporary or permanent suspension of access.
  
  

Intentionally submitting false weather information to the National Weather Service (NWS) may constitute a federal crime subject to prosecution and will be reported accordingly.

9. Editing and Contribution Privileges

Access to editing tools and content contribution features is granted at the discretion of STLWC leadership or designated Vandalism Prevention Administrators. Such privileges may be revoked at any time without notice, especially in cases of disciplinary action or suspension.

All content contributions must conform to STLWC’s mission, goals, and quality standards.

10. Automated Messaging (Bots)

STLWC may employ automated messaging systems (“bots”) for routine alerts and communications. Users acknowledge such systems may experience delays, inaccuracies, or incomplete information. STLWC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or timeliness of bot-generated content. Human follow-up may not be immediate or guaranteed.

11. WarnView Title Formatting

All user-generated WarnView alerts must adhere to the following formatting standards to maintain clarity and consistency:

• Alert titles must be in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS;
  
  

• The phrase NOT AN OFFICIAL WARNING must be in bold, all capital letters;
  
  

• The reporting user’s name must appear in all capital letters (not bold), inserted two spaces after the disclaimer phrase.
  
  

12. Community Standards and Conduct

Participants in all STLWC chatrooms, forums, and public discussions must maintain respectful and constructive dialogue. Prohibited conduct includes:

• Hate speech, discriminatory remarks, or harassment;
  
  

• Bullying, personal attacks, or profanity;
  
  

• Discussions of divisive topics including politics, religion, race, and sex;
  
  

• Off-topic or non-weather-related content;
  
  

• Posting meteorological content without appropriate attribution;
  
  

• Morbid or graphic content, except respectful remembrance of deceased weather chasers.
  
  

Failure to comply will result in progressive disciplinary actions in accordance with STLWC guidelines.

13. Chat Guidelines

13.1 Behavioral Expectations

• Treat others respectfully and avoid disruptive or argumentative behavior.
  
  

• Exercise caution with language, especially in mixed-age environments; avoid excessive cursing.
  
  

• Refrain from discussions involving politics, religion, race, sex, violence, or bodily functions.
  
  

• Always cite original sources when sharing weather information from trained spotters or meteorologists.
  
  

• Respect moderators and their enforcement decisions.
  
  

• Avoid morbid conversations except for respectful memorials.
  
  

13.2 Consequences for Violation

• First violation: Verbal warning issued;
  
  

• Second violation: Additional warning plus required review of guidelines;
  
  

• Third violation: Final warning with reminder to review guidelines;
  
  

• Fourth violation: Temporary or permanent ban from chat participation.
  
  

14. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

STLWC utilizes cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, secure platform functions, and collect aggregated data for research and operational purposes. Cookies personalize user sessions, maintain functionality, and assist in delivering relevant alerts and communications.

By using STLWC services, you consent to the use of cookies and related technologies in accordance with this policy and our detailed Cookie Policy, which explains types of cookies used, their purpose, and user control options.

Users may disable or manage cookies via browser or device settings; however, disabling cookies may affect access to or functionality of STLWC services.

15. Copyright & Intellectual Property

15.1 Ownership and Protection

All STLWC content—including images, graphics, logos, video, audio, animations, text, and documents—is the exclusive property of STLWC or its content contributors. These works are protected under U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code), Missouri intellectual property statutes (§§ 417.005 to 417.066), and related common law rights.

15.2 Permitted Uses

Users may access, view, share, and embed STLWC content solely through authorized platforms and methods. Unauthorized reproduction, modification, distribution, commercial use, or public display of STLWC content is prohibited without prior written consent.

15.3 YouTube-Specific Media

STLWC’s YouTube-hosted content—including livestreams, educational videos, briefings, and event coverage—is published under YouTube’s Standard License. Viewers may use built-in YouTube features to watch, share, or embed videos but may NOT download, edit, reupload, redistribute, or use content offline or commercially without STLWC’s express written permission.

Contributors submitting media for YouTube publication grant STLWC a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license to publish and manage their content, affirming all third-party rights are cleared.

Unauthorized use of STLWC YouTube media may result in DMCA takedown actions, civil or criminal penalties, and membership termination.

15.4 Enforcement and Reporting

STLWC reserves all rights not expressly granted. Absence of copyright markings does not waive rights.

To report unauthorized use or request permissions, contact: stlwc@stlweatherclub.org.

16. Entity Status Notice

STLWC is an informal, volunteer-driven community group focused on weather awareness and education. STLWC is explicitly NOT a for-profit business, nonprofit corporation, tax-exempt organization, or any formally recognized legal entity under Missouri or federal law.

• STLWC is unincorporated and unregistered with state or federal authorities;
  
  

• We do not solicit, accept, or distribute funds commercially or charitably;
  
  

• We do not charge fees, dues, or contributions for participation;
  
  

• STLWC’s activities are volunteer-led, non-commercial, and community-focused.
  
  

No individual or party is permitted to claim, imply, or represent STLWC as a nonprofit or legal business entity in any communication, public statement, fundraising appeal, or legal document.

Violation of this policy may result in immediate access removal, membership termination, and legal action.

For questions, contact: stlwc@stlweatherclub.org.

17. Severability

If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable under Missouri law, all other provisions remain in full force and effect.

18. Amendments

STLWC reserves the right to amend or revise these Terms at any time without prior notice. Continued use of STLWC services constitutes acceptance of all amendments.

19. Supplemental Terms

Additional policies governing specific STLWC features or services may apply and are incorporated by reference.

20. Legal Threats

Users are prohibited from issuing, implying, or threatening legal action against STLWC, its officers, moderators, or affiliates. Such actions result in immediate and permanent termination of all access.

STLWC, as a volunteer-led unincorporated association, is not obligated to respond except pursuant to a court order issued by a Missouri court of competent jurisdiction.

For inquiries, reports, or clarifications, please contact:
Email: email@stlweatherclub.org