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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

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

• Submitting or disseminating knowingly false, misleading, defamatory, harassing, or disruptive content;
  
  

• Publicly misrepresenting or ridiculing STLWC, its leadership, volunteers, or members without prior written authorization;
  
  

• Attempting to compromise platform security, bypass access controls, or disrupt STLWC operations;
  
  

• Using STLWC resources for commercial gain, fundraising, or solicitation without explicit written approval.
  
  

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

3. User Access Control and Enforcement

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

4. Weather Alert Messaging System (WAMS)

By subscribing to STLWC’s Weather Alert Messaging System (WAMS), users consent to receive electronic communications regarding severe weather threats in the Greater St. Louis region. To unsubscribe, users must email wams+unsubscribe@stlweatherclub.org. Requests may require up to seven (7) business days to process and may include identity verification for security purposes.

5. User Data Submissions and Usage

By submitting weather reports, photos, videos, or other content to STLWC, users grant STLWC a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, publish, modify, reproduce, or distribute such materials at STLWC’s discretion. Submission does not guarantee publication, attribution, or feedback. All reports must be based on firsthand observation. Speculative or third-party-sourced information is prohibited.

6. Data Collection and Privacy

STLWC collects user data—including, but not limited to, geographic location, device type, browser, IP address, and session activity—to support research, improve operations, and enhance service reliability.
Public disclosure of collected data requires explicit authorization from STLWC leadership. STLWC may contact users for administrative or operational purposes unrelated to alerts. For detailed information about data collection and user rights, see the STLWC Privacy Policy.

7. Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions

Violations of these Terms or related policies may result in the following actions:

1. Verbal or written warnings;
   
   

2. Limitations or restrictions on account capabilities;
   
   

3. Suspension of posting or editing privileges;
   
   

4. Temporary, indefinite, or IP-based bans;
   
   

5. Permanent removal from STLWC services.
   
   

All disciplinary decisions are made by STLWC leadership. Repeat violations may result in escalating sanctions. Moderators may enforce guidelines but cannot impose bans.

8. Fraudulent Weather Reporting

Deliberate submission of false or misleading weather reports is a serious violation. STLWC enforces the following graduated penalty system:

1. First offense: Official notation on user record;
   
   

2. Second offense: User flagged as unreliable;
   
   

3. Third offense: Confirmed unreliable status;
   
   

4. Fifth offense: Temporary or permanent suspension of access.
   
   

Submitting false weather data to the National Weather Service (NWS) may constitute a federal crime and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

9. Editing and Contribution Privileges

Access to STLWC editing and content tools is granted at the discretion of leadership or designated Vandalism Prevention Administrators.
Such privileges may be revoked at any time without notice, especially following disciplinary action or suspension. All contributions must align with STLWC’s mission and quality standards.

10. Automated Messaging (Bots)

STLWC may utilize automated systems (“bots”) to send alerts and communications. Users acknowledge that such systems may experience delays or inaccuracies. STLWC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of automated messages. Human follow-up may not be immediate or guaranteed.

11. WarnView Title Formatting

All user-generated WarnView alerts must follow STLWC’s standardized formatting for clarity:

• Alert titles must appear in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS;
  
  

• The phrase “NOT AN OFFICIAL WARNING” must appear in bold, all capital letters;
  
  

• The reporting user’s name must appear in all capital letters, two spaces after the disclaimer phrase.
  
  

12. Community Standards and Conduct

All participants in STLWC chatrooms, forums, and public discussions must maintain respectful and constructive communication. Prohibited conduct includes:

• Hate speech, discriminatory remarks, or harassment;
  
  

• Bullying, personal attacks, or profanity;
  
  

• Discussions involving politics, religion, race, or sex;
  
  

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

• Sharing meteorological content without proper attribution;
  
  

• Posting graphic or morbid material except for respectful memorials.
  
  

Violations will result in progressive disciplinary actions consistent with STLWC policies.

13. Chat Guidelines

13. Behavioral Expectations

• Treat all members respectfully and avoid disruptive or argumentative behavior.
  
  

• Use appropriate language in mixed-age environments.
  
  

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

• Cite sources when referencing weather data or official reports.
  
  

• Respect moderators and their enforcement decisions.
  
  

• Morbid topics are permitted only in the context of respectful memorials.
  
  

13.2 Consequences for Violations

1. First violation: Verbal warning;
   
   

2. Second violation: Additional warning plus review of guidelines;
   
   

3. Third violation: Final warning and reminder;
   
   

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

14. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

STLWC uses cookies and related technologies to enhance functionality, secure systems, and collect anonymized analytics.
By using STLWC services, users consent to cookie usage consistent with this policy and the STLWC Cookie Policy. Users may disable cookies in browser settings, but doing so may limit platform functionality.

15. Copyright and Intellectual Property

15.1 Ownership and Protection

All STLWC materials—including logos, images, graphics, videos, audio, animations, text, and documents—are the property of STLWC or its contributors and protected under U.S. copyright law and Missouri statutes.

15.2 Permitted Uses

Users may access, share, or embed STLWC content through authorized channels. Unauthorized reproduction, modification, commercial use, or public redistribution is prohibited without written consent.

15.3 YouTube-Specific Media

STLWC content published via YouTube follows YouTube’s Standard License. Users may watch, share, or embed videos using YouTube’s built-in tools but may not download, edit, or redistribute them without written authorization. Contributors grant STLWC a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license to publish and manage their content.
Unauthorized use may result in DMCA action or membership termination.

15.4 Enforcement and Reporting

STLWC reserves all rights not expressly granted. Absence of copyright markings does not waive rights. Report unauthorized use to email@stlweatherclub.org.

16. Entity Status Notice

STLWC is an informal, volunteer-based community group dedicated to weather awareness and education. It is not a registered business, nonprofit, or tax-exempt organization under Missouri or federal law.

• STLWC is unincorporated and unregistered;
  
  

• It does not solicit or distribute funds;
  
  

• It charges no fees or dues;
  
  

• All activities are volunteer-led and community-focused.
  
  

No one may represent STLWC as a business or nonprofit in any communication or legal context. Violations may result in immediate removal and legal action.

17. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer

STLWC provides weather-related information for educational and awareness purposes only. STLWC does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or timeliness and is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from use of its information. Users should rely on official sources such as the National Weather Service (NWS) for critical weather decisions.

18. Governing Law and Severability

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, United States. If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, all remaining sections remain in full force and effect.

19. Amendments

STLWC may amend or revise these Terms at any time without prior notice. Continued use of STLWC platforms constitutes acceptance of the latest version.

20. Legal Threats

Users are prohibited from issuing or implying legal action against STLWC, its officers, moderators, or affiliates. Any such action will result in permanent termination of access. STLWC, as a volunteer-led unincorporated group, is not obligated to respond except pursuant to a lawful Missouri court order.

Contact Us

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