Terms of Service - Version Date: 5 July 2024
Please read these terms of service ("terms of service", "terms") carefully before using TheGoodNewsBlog.org (“website”, "service") ("TheGoodNewsBlog.org", "us", 'we", "our"). This blog is operated by the Blessed Saint Sebastian Order of (Queer Folk), ABN 92 771 298 514. Our mailing address is Suite 386/585 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
1. Conditions of use
By using this website, you certify that you have read and reviewed this Agreement and that you agree to comply with its terms and our privacy policy. If you do not want to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, you are advised to leave the website accordingly. TheGoodNewsBlog.org only grants use and access of this website, its products, and its services to those who have accepted its terms.
2. Privacy policy
Before you continue reading these terms, we advise you to read our privacy policy regarding our user data collection. It will help you better understand our practices.
3. Intellectual property
You agree that all materials, products, and services provided on this website are the property of TheGoodNewsBlog.org, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, suppliers, or licensors including all copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property. You also agree that you will not reproduce or redistribute the TheGoodNewsBlog.org's intellectual property in any way, including electronic, digital, or new trademark registrations. All content on this website is protected by copyright law. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or modify any content without prior permission.
4. Legal Disclaimer and Professional Guidance Notice
Any information provided or made accessible to you on this website is not intended to replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in any field, including, but not limited to, theological, psychological, medical, health, or legal matters. We do not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor do we function as a medical service provider. Any services listed on this website are provided on a referral basis only. While we have conducted due diligence to the best of our ability regarding the qualifications and level of service of each entity listed, it is essential for you to independently assess their suitability before availing their services. Accordingly, we disclaim any liability associated with your use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
5. Third party website links
This website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or accuracy of any linked sites and do not endorse them. Visiting external links is at the user's own risk. This website may contain affiliate links to amazon.com.au, which means we may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. However, this does not impact our reviews or recommendations.
6. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify TheGoodNewsBlog.org and its affiliates and hold TheGoodNewsBlog.org harmless against legal claims and demands that may arise from your use or misuse of our services.
7. Limitation on liability
TheGoodNewsBlog.org is not liable for any damages that may occur to you as a result of your misuse of our website.
8. How We Use Third Party RSS Feeds for Progressive Christianity News
This website utilizes RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds from Feedburner, Inc, to aggregate news and information related to progressive Christianity. We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators and acknowledge that the content displayed via RSS feeds may be protected by copyright. However, we believe that our use of these feeds constitutes fair use under copyright law, as it serves educational, informational, and commentary purposes related to the mission of Christianity.
We strive to use minimal content, typically consisting of headings and brief descriptive snippets, and always credit the original source with a link back to the full content on the RSS provider's website. Additionally, we respect any specific copyright notices placed on the RSS feed and will not use content that is prohibited according to those notices. It's important to clarify that we do not claim ownership of the content from the RSS feeds. Our role is to curate and provide access to this content while ensuring proper attribution to the original creators.
While we make every effort to ensure that our use of RSS feeds complies with applicable copyright laws and regulations, we acknowledge that the legal landscape surrounding copyright and fair use is complex and subject to interpretation. If you believe that our use of any content via RSS feeds infringes upon your rights as a copyright holder, please contact us, and we will promptly address your concerns.
It is our intention to provide a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas within the Christian community, and we welcome feedback from our audience to ensure that our practices align with our values and legal obligations.
9. Content Sourcing and Usage Policies with XML/RSS Feeds and Generative AI
This website utilizes XML RSS feeds and technology to aggregate content, news, blogs, and information on Progressive Christianity and current LGBT+ affairs related to faith, religion, health, and advocacy for educational purposes. We also utilize YouTube playlists that are in the public domain, sharing them via tagembed.com to a public playlist generated on this website. No information is duplicated or reproduced beyond what is freely available in the public domain. Sharing information from the public domain does not require a license. We aggregate text from sermons, or parts thereof, from episcopalchurch.org, and where possible, we quote the author of the same. While we do not endorse third-party content, we confirm that each third-party site has been vetted to ensure it is a safe and knowledgeable expert source on the subject matter.
10. Use of iframes & Third party websites.
At times, TheGoodNewsBlog.org uses iframes to exhibit third-party content, including from various websites such as epray.com.au and dailyprayer.ampers.x10.mx, sourced from external servers. We emphasize our adherence to fair use principles and the public domain status of content obtained from freely available online sources. While we make conscientious efforts to respect copyrights and intellectual property rights, our utilization of third-party content through iframes is intended for educational and informational purposes, in accordance with legal provisions permitting such usage. Users who access third-party content via iframes are advised to review the terms of service and policies of the content providers. TheGoodNewsBlog.org relinquishes responsibility for any legal claims or damages arising from the use of or reliance on third-party content displayed through iframes on this website.
11. Generative AI for Content Creation
This website may utilize generative AI, specifically OpenAI's GPT-3.5 large language model, to assist in content creation. Here's a breakdown of how GPT-3.5 is involved: Draft Generation: In some cases, GPT-3.5 may be used to generate draft text for blog posts. This draft is never published directly and serves as a starting point for human authors. Content Optimization: GPT-3.5 may be used to assist with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by suggesting relevant keywords and phrases. Collaborative Writing: GPT-3.5 may be used collaboratively with human authors for some blog posts. This can involve generating ideas, suggesting different phrasings, or checking for factual consistency. In all instances, a human author reviews, edits, and revises the content generated with the help of GPT-3.5. The final published content reflects the work and decisions of the human author, who takes full responsibility for its accuracy and integrity.
We utilize the Midjourney AI platform to generate some of the images featured on our blog. Please note that while we create and use these images, the copyright ownership of these images remains with us. These images are provided for viewing purposes on our blog and can be used by anyone in good faith where referenced. However, redistribution or use of these images elsewhere requires our explicit permission.
12. Statement regarding AI - Christianity & Digital Evangelism:
Digital evangelism uses modern tools like the internet and AI to spread the timeless message of Jesus, much like how Jesus used parables to reach people (Matthew 13:34-35). While technology enhances outreach and fosters online communities, the core remains sharing Christ's love and teachings for spiritual growth.
As an associate member of ISCAST (a network of individuals ranging from students and laypeople to academics, exploring the intersection of science, technology, and Christian faith), we acknowledge the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within our community, and our commitment to integrating technology with our Christian mission. AI serves as a tool to enrich various facets of our ministry work, from delving deeper into scripture to fostering personal spiritual growth and extending our reach through digital evangelism. However, with this innovation comes ethical considerations that we earnestly address. We pledge to use AI responsibly, guided by Christian principles of fairness, justice, and compassion. While we believe AI can harmonize with Christian beliefs when aligned with biblical values, we advocate for discernment and critical reflection on its ethical implications. AI, for us, is a supplement—not a substitute—for human guidance and connection in our Christian community. By accessing our website, you agree to engage with our AI-powered tools and resources, understanding our commitment to a thoughtful and ethical approach to technology in service of our Christian mission.
You are permitted to access and/or reproduce the data on this website solely for viewing purposes on a personal electronic device (such as your phone or computer). Any other use or exploitation, including selling, distributing, adapting, editing, altering, republishing, publicly displaying or performing (for commercial purposes), publishing, or communicating the data and materials, requires our prior written agreement. We reserve all rights in the data and materials. Unauthorized disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited unless expressly provided in writing. Stories may be shared via the share function or a provided link; however, data may not be copied, pasted, or used for analysis without the written consent of the author.
Our RSS feed can be freely utilized with RSS technology to share our content without requiring a license on the basis that it is used to promote accessibility and dissemination of information regarding Progressive Christianity and LGBT+ affairs related to faith, religion, health, and advocacy.
15. User Responsibilities
By accessing and utilizing our website, you agree to adhere to certain responsibilities to ensure a positive and secure experience for all users. These responsibilities include providing accurate and current information when required, complying with all applicable laws and regulations, and refraining from any actions that may disrupt or harm the functionality of the website or its users. All information on this website is copyrighted and intended solely for educational purposes. By following these practices, we aim to deliver high-quality and informative content while being transparent about the use of AI tools.
Furthermore, you are expected to respect the intellectual property rights of TheGoodNewsBlog.org and any third parties whose content is featured on the website. This includes refraining from attempting to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website or its systems. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the absence of errors or omissions. Therefore, users are encouraged to independently verify any information obtained from the website before relying on it for any significant decisions or actions. By accepting these terms, you acknowledge and accept your responsibility for your actions and usage of our website, contributing to a safe and respectful online environment for all.
16. Student Use
Please note that some content on this website may have been generated with the assistance of GPT-3.5. This content may be flagged by plagiarism detection software like Turnitin. We advise students to exercise caution and ensure their work complies with academic integrity standards.
17. Donations
TheGoodNewsBlog.org is committed to transparency in regards to donations. Any donations advertised on this platform are directed solely and directly to entities approved by the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission). We emphasize that we have no financial ties or affiliations with these organizations. There are no incentives or rewards involved in promoting their donation opportunities. Our primary goal is to ensure that any contributions made through this platform go directly to legitimate and reputable organizations dedicated to supporting causes related to LGBT+ affairs, faith, religion, health, and advocacy. TheGoodNewsBlog.org does not receive any portion of the donations made through this platform.
18. Termination
We reserve the right to terminate your access to and use of the Website at any time, without notice, for any reason, including, but not limited to, a violation of these Terms of Service. We may also, in our sole discretion, limit or restrict your use of the Website without notice.
19. Changes to the Terms
We reserve the right to change, modify, or update these Terms of Service at any time and without prior notice. You are responsible for checking these Terms of Service periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of any changes to the Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes.
20. Warranties and Disclaimers
The website and all content, products, and services provided on the website are provided "As is" without any warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not warrant that the content, products, or services provided on the website are accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free.
21. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Our blog's server is located in California, United States. While our editorial team works globally, including in Australia, any legal inquiries or concerns regarding the blog are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States of America.
22. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service or the website, please contact us.
