MGS Web Sites Code of Conduct

This document was last updated: June 2005

To make sure MGS Web Sites are fun for everyone, you need to follow some basic rules, outlined below. The Code of Conduct and the Terms of Use apply to all activity on MGS Web Sites, including forums and chats.

• Don't use MGS Web Sites to do anything illegal. Microsoft isn't responsible for anything you post on the site or for anything that happens because of what you post; you alone are responsible.
• Don't use inappropriate language. This includes comments that look, sound like, stand for, hint at, abbreviate, or insinuate any of the following: profane words/phrases, hate speech (including but not limited to racial, ethnic, or religious slurs), illegal drugs/controlled substances, or illegal activities.
• Don't distribute, post, or discuss obscene or other unlawful materials like child pornography or illegal drugs.
• Don't harass, abuse, threaten, stalk, or spam other users.
• Don't defend yourself against profane attacks with profanity as you will be treated in the same manner as the originator.
• Don't create a forum or chat name with any profanity, sexually explicit language, sexual innuendo, or racial, ethnic, or religious slurs in it. Don't create a name that references controversial religious topics, notorious people, organizations, or sensitive current or historical events that may also be considered inappropriate. Microsoft reserves the right to ban any name it deems inappropriate for any reason.
• Don't publish, post, or disseminate defamatory, infringing, obscene, sexual, or other unlawful material including images, audio, or text.
• Don't post links to Web sites that violate the Code of Conduct.
• Don't post links to materials that could harm other users' computers or would allow others to inappropriately access software or Web sites.
• Don't impersonate or harass Microsoft employees, moderators, or staff members.
• Any non-game-related conversation that takes up a substantial amount of the forum or chat space and prevents users from finding game-related information may be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct.
• Avoid excessive shouting (use of all-caps) or flooding (continuous posting of repetitive text).
• Don't use the forums or chats for any commercial purpose without the express consent of MGS Web Sites. You may only create an account for yourself as an individual. You may not create an account for your corporation or other business entity.

If you violate the Code of Conduct or the Terms of Use, action may be taken against your account. Microsoft is not obligated to warn you before taking these actions.

• Microsoft is not obligated to monitor every post, but we have the right to remove any post or take action against any poster.
• Microsoft reserves the right to remove at any time, without notice, any user-created content from MGS Web Sites.
• Microsoft reserves the right to immediately terminate or suspend a user for violations.
• Microsoft can contact any Internet Service Provider and provide the ISP with information on illegal activities.

Some offenses warrant an immediate permanent ban, including severe racial remarks, profane usernames, posting viruses or URLs to viruses. In addition, trying to avoid a temporary ban by creating a string of new accounts may result in a permanent ban on the new user ID and a possible escalation of punishment to the original ID.

General Web Site Precautions

• Some areas of MGS Web Sites may post Internet Web site links. Please be advised that Microsoft is not responsible for the content on the Web sites associated with the links you may view.
• Some content and links on the Internet may contain adult content and may not be suitable for children. We encourage parents to join their children as they surf and explore the Internet.
• You are responsible for any actions you may take based on advice or information you receive online. Use your own good judgment when evaluating information provided through MGS Web Sites. Remember that the information provided could be from people of any age and experience level. The decision to conduct transactions with anyone is your own, and you should do your own research prior to making any decisions.
• Don't give out your/others personally identifiable information (such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, names and addresses, telephone numbers, driver license numbers) to strangers online, as this information may be used for illegal or harmful purposes.

Be sure to reread this document once in a while because Microsoft can change it at any time and you're responsible and liable for your activities when using the service. Some games and events may also have additional guidelines that govern your use, so be sure to review them in addition to this Code of Conduct.