BetterChinese.com Member Agreement & Terms of Use


PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF USE CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS BETTER CHINESE SITE.
  By using this BETTER CHINESE Site, you signify your agreement to these terms of use.  If you do not agree to these terms of use, you may not use the BETTER CHINESE Site.

Welcome to the Internet sites of the Better Chinese Ltd ("Better Chinese").  BETTER CHINESE includes BetterChinese.com, FunChinese.com, StoryCola.com, FunAmerican.com, Better Chinese LLC and others affiliated with Better Chinese Ltd. (each a "BETTER CHINESE Site").  BETTER CHINESE is operated by Better Chinese Ltd. and its affiliates (collectively referred to herein as "we," "us," or "our").

Thank you for visiting BetterChinese.com (from now on referred to as the “Service”).  To ensure that you understand the terms and conditions and legal notices which govern your use of the BetterChinese.com family of websites and apply to your membership agreement, please carefully read this agreement, which includes the terms and conditions of use, before using or registering as a member. The Service is owned and operated by Better Chinese Ltd.  By using all or any part of the Service, you signify your agreement to the terms of this Agreement.  If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement please do not use the service, do not click the box indicating your Agreement to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, and do not register as a member of or subscribe to the Service. We reserve the right, in our discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions of these terms at any time.  Notification of changes to this Agreement will be posted on the Service, or sent via e-mail or postal mail.  If any future changes to this Agreement are unacceptable to you, or cause you to no longer be in compliance with this Agreement, you may terminate your Account (see Termination of Service section below).  Your continued use of the Service following notice of changes to this Agreement (including the Terms of Use) means that you accept all such changes. 

You will be referred to as the "Member" in this Agreement. The person who initially registers for the Service may also be referred to as the "Parent Account" in this Agreement. "Account" means the account registered to any Member, pursuant to the registration procedures for the Service. The terms of this Agreement apply to all Members, whether or not they are the Parent Account. The Parent Account is responsible for making each of their family members (and anyone else they may allow to play using their Account) aware of the terms of this Agreement and for ensuring compliance. The Parent Account for an Account is entirely liable for all activities conducted through that Account.

We may change, modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Service at any time, including, without limitation, the availability of any Service feature, database or content, hours of availability, or equipment needed to access the Service. We may also impose limits on certain features or restrict your access to parts or all of the Service, for extended periods of time, without notice or liability. The Member is solely responsible for and must provide all telephone and other equipment necessary to access the Service, including without limitation Internet access software and modems.

RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF MATERIALS

All materials published by Better Chinese (collectively called “Content” and including, but not limited to, informational resources, photographs, images, illustrations, audio clips, and video clips) are protected by copyright, and owned or controlled by Better Chinese, its affiliated companies, or a third-party provider. You shall abide by all copyright notices, information, or restrictions contained in any Content accessed through the Service.

The Service is protected by copyright as a collective work and/or compilation, pursuant to U.S. copyright laws, international conventions, and other copyright laws.  No material from the Service or any Web site owned, operated, licensed, or controlled by Better Chinese may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, or transmitted, nor may derivative works be created from them or distributed in any way, except that you may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for your personal, noncommercial home use only, provided that you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices. Using our Content for any other purpose is a violation of our copyright and other proprietary rights. For purposes of this Agreement, using any of our Content on any other Web site or networked computer environment is prohibited. You may not sell or auction any Better Chinese characters, items, or copyrighted material.

If you download software from the Service, the software, including any files, images incorporated in or generated by the software, and data accompanying the software (collectively, the "Software"), are licensed to you by Better Chinese.  We hereby grant to you a non-exclusive, limited license to use the Software solely in connection with the Service via an authorized and fully-paid (or authorized free trial) Account. You own the medium on which you record the Software, but we retain full and complete title to the Software, and all intellectual property rights therein.  You may not redistribute, sell, decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble, or otherwise reduce the Software to a human-perceivable form.  You may not use any third party software to modify the Software or the Service.  You may not use our intellectual property to create or provide any other means through which the Service may be played by others, as through server emulators.  You may not take any action which imposes an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on our infrastructure.

SUBMISSIONS

With the exception of the Show & Tell portion of our websites, Better Chinese Ltd. does not accept or consider creative ideas, suggestions, or materials other than those that we have specifically requested. Children may send us their art & writing for submission to the Show & Tell portion of our websites.  By signing up for this service, you grant us permission to use the materials your child submits without requiring additional permission and in any manner that is, in our judgement, consistent with our overall philosophy. While we do value your feedback on the Service, we request that you be specific in your comments, and not submit any creative ideas, suggestions, or materials (unless specifically requested by us). If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (e.g., postings to chat areas, boards, or contests) or, despite our request, you send us creative suggestions, ideas, notes, drawings, concepts, or other information (collectively, the "Member Submissions" notwithstanding whether provided by a Member, user or some other individual or entity), the Member Submissions shall be deemed, and shall remain, our property. None of the Member Submissions shall be subject to any obligation of confidence on our part and we shall not be liable for any use or disclosure of any Member Submissions. Without limitation of the foregoing, we shall exclusively own all now known or hereafter existing rights to the Member Submissions of every kind and nature throughout the universe and shall be entitled to unrestricted use of the Member Submissions for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or otherwise, without compensation to the provider of the Member Submissions.

Better Chinese, Fun Chinese, Story Cola, Fun American, the Better Chinese logo (Meimei and Huahua), and any and all fanciful characters or designs of Better Chinese Ltd., are trademarks or copyright of Better Chinese Ltd or its affiliates. All other trademarks appearing on the Service are trademarks of their respective owners.

CHAT ROOMS, MESSAGE BOARDS AND OTHER PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS.

"Common Area" means a chat room, message board, pen pal feature, personalized Member page, or other similar function that may be offered as part of the Service. Our message boards are moderated. This means that we read all messages before public posting. We do not edit messages, but we may decide not to post a message we deem inappropriate for any reason. The opinions expressed on our message boards do not necessarily represent the views of Better Chinese. We reserve the right to remove or edit content from any Common Area at any time and for any reason. By uploading materials to any Common Area or submitting any materials to us, you automatically grant (or warrant that the owner of such materials expressly granted) us a perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable, non-exclusive right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, publicly perform and display, create derivative works from and distribute such materials or incorporate such materials into any form, medium, or technology now known or later developed throughout the universe. In addition, you warrant that all so-called "moral rights" time to time according to its terms, and agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof. 

You shall not upload to, distribute through, or otherwise publish through the Service (including in any Forum) any content that is libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, threatening, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, abusive, illegal, or otherwise objectionable that would constitute or encourage a criminal offense, violate the rights of any party, or otherwise give rise to liability or violate any law. The Forums shall be used only in a noncommercial manner. You shall not, without the express approval of Better Chinese, distribute or otherwise publish any material containing any solicitation of funds, promotion, advertising, or solicitation for goods or services. You specifically acknowledge that soliciting other Members to join or become members of any commercial online service or other organization is expressly prohibited. You must also follow the Terms of Use whenever you are using the Service. Members remain solely responsible for the content of the information they provide in any Forum.

We will abide by our Privacy Policy with regard to our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information. We do not guarantee that the information you provide, including your personal information, will not be disclosed to third parties. For example, we may disclose information as required in the course of normal operation and maintenance of the Service and its systems or if required to do so by law or in our good faith we believe that such action is necessary to: (1) comply with the law or comply with legal process served on Better Chinese; (2) protect and defend the rights or property of Better Chinese; or (3) act in an emergency to protect the personal safety of our Members or the public. Also, third parties may, without our knowledge or consent, unlawfully intercept or access transmissions or private communications. Additionally, solely for the purpose of patching and updating the Service, you hereby grant us permission to (i) upload game file information from the Better Chinese directory and (ii) download game file information to you.

You acknowledge that anything you submit to a Better Chinese Site by way of any Common Area is routed through servers and the Internet and that, therefore, you have no expectation of privacy with regard to any such submission. You acknowledge that the Common Areas and features on Better Chinese Sites are forums for public and not private communications. Please keep in mind that whenever you give out personal information online, for example, via message boards or chat, that information can be collected and used by people you don't know. We cannot guarantee the security of any information you disclose online; you make such disclosures at your own risk.

Users or visitors shall remain solely responsible for the content of their messages in the Common Areas. We are not responsible for the content or opinions posted or sent by users in any Common Area. You take responsibility for postings under your username and use the information provided in the Common Areas at your own risk. We reserve the right to remove or edit content from any Common Area at any time and for any reason although we have no duty to do so.

When participating in a Common Area, never assume that people are who they say they are, know what they say they know, or are affiliated with whom they say they are affiliated with in any chat room, message board, or other user-generated content area. Information obtained in a Common Area may not be reliable, and it is not a good idea to take any action, including to trade or make any investment decisions, based solely or largely on information you cannot confirm. We cannot be responsible for the content or accuracy of any information, and shall not be responsible for any trading, investment, or any other decisions made based on such information.

TERMS OF CONDUCT

The following is a list of the Terms of conduct for the BETTER CHINESE Sites. By using the BETTER CHINESE Sites you agree NOT to do any of the following:

  1. Post, distribute, or otherwise make available or transmit any data, text, message, or computer file that we deem to be: (a) defamatory, abusive, harassing, insulting, threatening, or that could be deemed to be stalking; (b) bigoted, hateful, or racially offensive; (c) vulgar, obscene, or sexually explicit (language or images); or that (d) encourages or advocates illegal activity or the discussion of illegal activities with the intent to commit them;
  2. Post, distribute, or otherwise make available or transmit any data, text, message, computer file, or other material that infringes and/or violates any right of a third party or any domestic or international law, rule, or regulation, including but not limited to: (a) copyright, patent, trademark, or other proprietary rights; (b) right of privacy (specifically, you must not distribute another person’s personal information of any kind without their express permission) or publicity; (c) any confidentiality obligation;
  3. Advertise or sell any products, services or otherwise (whether or not for profit), or solicit others or use any Forum for commercial purposes of any kind,
  4. Post, distribute, or otherwise make available or transmit any software or other computer files that contain a virus or other harmful component;
  5. Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your identity or affiliation with any person or entity;
  6. Engage in antisocial, disruptive, or destructive acts, including "flaming," "spamming," "flooding," "trolling," and "griefing" as those terms are commonly understood and used on the Internet;
  7. Delete any legal notices, disclaimers, or proprietary notices such as copyright or trademark symbols, or modify any logos that you do not own or have express permission to modify;
  8. Post, distribute, or otherwise make available or transmit material or make statements that do not generally pertain to the designated topic or theme of any Forum.

Additionally, you may use electronic greeting cards or mobile messaging for noncommercial purposes only. You must furnish your actual e-mail address or mobile phone number in order to send a card or message. Any business use, "remailing," or other high-volume application is strictly prohibited. You are not permitted to send cards or messages using an automated program. Electronic greeting cards and mobile messages may not contain inappropriate language or images or copyrighted material (without the consent of the copyright holder) or encourage illegal activity. Electronic greeting cards and mobile messages that violate these guidelines will not be delivered.

 

We reserve the right to remove any material, and if we deem appropriate, to turn over to law enforcement officials, any material, including message, e-mail, or posting, that is in violation of these Terms of Conduct. We also reserve the right to remove messages, e-mails, or postings that do not pertain to the designated topic or theme of the Common Areas.

 

We also reserve the right to comply with any order or otherwise cooperate with law enforcement officials regarding the identification of any user alleged to be using a BETTER CHINESE site in violation of the law.

CONTENT LINKED TO ANY BETTER CHINESE SITE

You should be aware that when you are on a BETTER CHINESE Site, you could be directed to other sites that are beyond our control.  There are links to other sites from BETTER CHINESE pages that take you outside of our service.  For example, if you click on a link or a search result, the click may take you off the BETTER CHINESE Site. This includes links from distributors and content partners that may use our logo(s) as part of a co-branding relationship. You acknowledge that when you click on a link that leaves a BETTER CHINESE Site the site you will land on is not controlled by us and different terms of use and privacy policy may apply. By clicking on links to other sites, you acknowledge that BETTER CHINESE is not responsible for those sites. We reserve the right to disable links from third-party sites to any BETTER CHINESE Site, although we are under no obligation to do so.

We make no representations concerning the content of sites listed in any of our directories. Consequently, we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy, relevancy, copyright compliance, legality, or decency of material contained in sites listed in our search results or otherwise linked to a BETTER CHINESE Site.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The Parent Account represents, warrants, and covenants (a) that no materials of any kind submitted through your Account will (i) violate, plagiarize, or infringe upon the rights of any third party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, or other personal or proprietary rights; or (ii) contain libelous or otherwise unlawful material; (b) the credit card provided to us is valid, the Parent Account is authorized to use the credit card, and the Parent Account is at least 18 years old; (c) we may charge the credit card provided to us, as more fully described in the Section titled “Price and Payment” below; and (d) the Parent Account and all Members will fully comply with the terms of this Agreement.  You, the Parent Account, hereby indemnify, defend, and hold Better Chinese and affiliated companies, and all officers, directors, owners, agents, information providers, affiliates, licensers, and licensees (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") harmless from and against any and all liability and costs incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of any breach by you or any Member on your Account or any user of your Account of this Agreement or the foregoing representations, warranties, and covenants, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees.  The Parent Account shall use best efforts to, and shall ensure that all Members on that Account cooperate with Better Chinese in the defense of any claim.  Better Chinese reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by Parent Account.

Better Chinese does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement, or other information displayed, uploaded, or distributed through the Service by any Member, information provider, or other person or entity. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any such opinion, advice, statement, memorandum, or information shall be at your sole risk.  Better Chinese reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to correct any errors or omissions in any portion of the Service.

DISCLAIMER

THE MATERIALS IN THIS SERVICE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, BETTER CHINESE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BETTER CHINESE DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THIS SERVICE OR THE SERVER THAT MAKES IT AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.  BETTER CHINESE DOES NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE MATERIALS IN THIS SERVICE IN TERMS OF THEIR CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. YOU (AND NOT BETTER CHINESE) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR, OR CORRECTION.  APPLICABLE LAW MAY NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, AS A SERVICE TO USERS OF THE BETTER CHINESE SERVICE, WE INCLUDE LINKS TO OTHER WEB SITES ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB PORTION OF THE INTERNET AND THAT BETTER CHINESE HAS NO CONTROL OVER, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, REGARDING THE CONTENT OR APPROPRIATENESS OF CONTENT ON SUCH WEB SITES, AND YOU HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY CLAIM AGAINST US WITH RESPECT TO SUCH WEB SITES.

Further, Better Chinese explicitly disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, content, or availability of information found on sites that link to or from Better Chinese's service from third parties not associated with Better Chinese. Better Chinese encourages discretion when browsing the Internet using our or anyone else's service. Because some sites employ automated search results or otherwise link you to sites containing information that may be deemed inappropriate or offensive, Better Chinese cannot be held responsible for the accuracy, copyright compliance, legality, or decency of material contained in third-party sites, and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim against us with respect to such sites. Better Chinese cannot ensure that you will be satisfied with any products or services that you purchase from a third-party site that links to or from Better Chinese website, since other shop channels are owned and operated by independent retailers.  Better Chinese does not endorse any of the merchandise, nor has Better Chinese taken any steps to confirm the accuracy or reliability of any of the information contained in such third-party sites.  Better Chinese does not make any representations or warranties as to the security of any information including, without limitation, credit card and other personal information you might be requested to give any third party and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim against us with respect to such sites.  We strongly encourage you to make whatever investigation you feel necessary or appropriate before proceeding with any online or offline transaction with any of these third parties.

INDEMNIFICATION

You are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your member name(s), password(s), and your account, as well as all activities that occur under your account. You hereby indemnify, defend, and hold us and our affiliates and our officers, directors, owners, agents, information providers, licensors, and licensees (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") harmless from and against any and all liabilities and costs (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of any breach by you of these terms of use or claims arising from your account. You shall use your best efforts to cooperate with us in the defense of any claim. We reserve the right, at our own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NEGLIGENCE, SHALL BETTER CHINESE BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM THE USE OF, OR THE INABILITY TO USE, THE MATERIALS IN THIS SERVICE OR ANY OTHER WEB SITE, EVEN IF BETTER CHINESE OR A BETTER CHINESE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  APPLICABLE LAW MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN NO EVENT SHALL BETTER CHINESE'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, AND CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU, IF ANY, FOR ACCESSING THE SERVICE.

SECURITY

Registration and Use of the Service.  As part of the registration process, each Member will select a password and user name.  You shall provide Better Chinese with accurate, complete, and updated Account information. Failure to do so shall constitute a breach of this Agreement, which may result in immediate termination of your Account and/or your family member Account. You may not (i) select or use a Member Name of another person with the intent to impersonate that person; (ii) use a name subject to the rights of any other person without authorization; or (iii) use a Member Name that Better Chinese, in its sole discretion, deems inappropriate or offensive.

You shall notify Better Chinese at customerservice@betterchinese.com of any known or suspected unauthorized use(s) of your Account, or any known or suspected breach of security, including loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure of your password. You shall be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password.

Each Parent Account must be 18 years or older to establish an Account.  If Better Chinese becomes aware that a Parent Account is under the age of 18, Better Chinese reserves the right to cancel the Account.  Any fraudulent, abusive, or otherwise illegal activity may be grounds for termination of your Account, at Better Chinese's sole discretion, and you may be reported to appropriate law-enforcement agencies.

If you have reason to believe that your Account is no longer secure (for example, in the event of a loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure or use of your Member Name, password, or any credit, debit, or charge card number stored on the Service), you must promptly change your password and notify Better Chinese of the problem (by notice given as described in the Notice section below) to avoid possible liability for any unauthorized charges to your Account.

PRICE AND PAYMENT

Better Chinese reserves the right at any time to charge additional fees for access to the Service. Better Chinese reserves the right to change the amount of, or basis for determining, any fees or charges for the Service, and to institute new fees or charges effective upon prior notice to Members. Better Chinese reserves the right to offer special offers of the Service and to provide the Service at no charge for promotional reasons or otherwise (such as a free trial).

Each Parent Account agrees to pay all charges to the Parent‘s Account, including applicable taxes, in accordance with billing terms in effect at the time the fee or charge becomes payable.  For standard accounts purchased through the Better Chinese e-store, Parent Accounts must provide Better Chinese with valid credit card and/or other information required during the registration process. Better Chinese shall charge the Parent Account's credit card either after the trial period expires, or on the date the Parent Account subscribes to the Service.  Thereafter, Better Chinese will automatically renew and charge and/or bill the Parent's Account as follows:

• Each month for the following month's service for monthly subscriptions

• Upon every three(3)-month anniversary of the first billing date for quarterly subscriptions

• Upon every six(6)-month anniversary of the first billing date for semiannual subscriptions

• Upon every one(1)-year anniversary of the first billing date for annual subscriptions

The renewal fee shall be equal to or less than the original subscription price, unless otherwise notified in advance by Better Chinese. You may notify Better Chinese that you wish to cancel your subscription at any time.

*"Standard Accounts" are accounts purchased through the Better Chinese e-store and do not include special offers, which at the time the special offer is made, will specify the price and payment terms that apply to the special offer.

Better Chinese agrees that it will terminate your Account upon receipt of notification from the Parent Account on your Account, as described below.

• For monthly subscriptions: If notice of cancellation is received within the first 15 days following the first day of the initial billing, you will be eligible to receive a refund of all subscription fees for the Service, but will still be obligated to pay any other charges incurred. If you cancel the Service more than 15 days after the initial billing, your Account will be canceled as of the end of the current billing period and no refund for unused time will be given.

• For 3 month subscriptions: If notice of cancellation is received within the first 30 days following the first day of the initial billing, you will be eligible to receive a refund of all subscription fees for the Service, but will still be obligated to pay any other charges incurred. If you cancel the Service more than 30 days after the initial billing, no refund for unused time will be given.

• For 6 month subscriptions: If notice of cancellation is received within the first 30 days following the first day of initial billing, you will be eligible to receive a refund of all subscription fees for the Service but will still be obligated to pay any other charges incurred. If you cancel the Service more than 30 days after the initial billing, no refund for unused time will be given.

• For annual subscriptions: If notice of cancellation is received within the first 30 days following the first day of initial billing, you will be eligible to receive a refund of all subscription fees for the Service but will still be obligated to pay any other charges incurred. If you cancel the Service more than 30 days after the initial billing, no refund for unused time will be given.

Your right to use the Service is subject to any limits established by Better Chinese or by your credit card issuer.  If payment cannot be charged to your credit card or your charge is returned to Better Chinese for any reason, including chargeback, Better Chinese reserves the right to either suspend or terminate your access and Account, thereby terminating this Agreement and all obligations of Better Chinese hereunder. If you have a balance due on any Better Chinese Account, you agree that Better Chinese can charge these unpaid fees to your credit card.  Better Chinese reserves the right to establish a credit limit (the "Ceiling") for each Member. If a Member's Account reaches the Ceiling at any time, Better Chinese may immediately bill the Member's credit card for all unpaid charges on account.  Until further notice, the Ceiling for each Member is $100.

PARENTAL CONSENT

Like other Web sites directed to children, Better Chinese is required by law to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA").  Under COPPA, parental consent is required for the online collection, use and/or disclosure of personal information obtained from a child under the age of 13.  We obtain such consent through means of credit card verification.  As part of the registration process for the Service, the Parent Account will be asked to provide a valid credit card.  By providing his or her credit card number, the Parent Account holder: (a) represents and warrants that he or she is the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 13 for whom he or she allows to use the Parent Account; and (b) agrees to our collection, use and disclosure of personal information in accordance with the Privacy Policy with respect to any child under the age of 13 for whom the Parent Account holder allows to use the Parent Account.

NOTICE

The Parent Account will submit and maintain a correct e-mail address and other Account information. We may give notice to the Parent Account by means of a general notice on the Service, electronic mail to your e-mail address on record in our Account information, or by written communication sent by first-class mail to your address on record in our Account information. You may give notice to Better Chinese. Such notice shall be deemed given when received by Better Chinese at any time by electronic mail at customerservice@betterchinese.com.

NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF MEMBERSHIP

Better Chinese grants to you a personal, nonexclusive, nonassignable, and non-transferable license to use and display the Better Chinese Software on any machine(s) of which you are the primary user. Unauthorized copying of the Software or duplication of the Software in any manner, including software that has been modified, merged, or included with the Software, or the written materials associated therewith, is expressly forbidden. You acknowledge that you may not sublicense, transfer, sell, or assign this license or the Software. Any attempts to sublicense, transfer, sell, or assign the license are void.

TERMINATION OF SERVICE

This Agreement is effective until terminated by either party. The Parent Account may terminate this Agreement and your right to use the Service at any time by contacting customer service at customerservice@betterchinese.com or (650) 327-3693.  Better Chinese may terminate your Account or access rights to this Service immediately without notice if in Better Chinese's sole discretion you fail to comply with any term or provision of this Agreement (including the Terms of Use). Upon termination, you must destroy all materials obtained from this Service and all copies thereof, whether made under the terms of this Agreement or otherwise.

OTHER

BETTER CHINESE is controlled and operated by Better Chinese Ltd. and its affiliates from its offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, and the U.S.  We make no representation that materials on any BETTER CHINESE Site are appropriate or available for use in any particular location. Those who choose to access a BETTER CHINESE Site do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this Agreement and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. This is the entire Agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter herein and shall not be modified except in writing other than as provided below. 

AMENDMENT

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to change, modify, add, or delete portions of these terms of use at any time. In the event that we do so, we will notify you of any such change, modification, addition, or deletion by sending you an e-mail at the last e-mail address that you provided us, and/or by prominently posting notice of the any such change, modification, addition, or deletion on the Web sites covered by these terms of use.  Any such change, modification, addition, or deletion will be effective upon the earlier of ten (10) calendar days following our dispatch of an e-mail notice to you or thirty (30) calendar days following our posting of such notice on the Web sites covered by these terms of use. Please note that, at all times, you are responsible for updating your personal information to provide us your current e-mail address. In the event that the last e-mail address that you have provided us is not valid, or for any other reason is not capable of delivering to you the notice described above, our dispatch of the e-mail containing such notice will nonetheless constitute effective notice of the changes, modifications, additions, or deletions described in the notice.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

These terms of use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law. You agree that any action at law or in equity arising out of or relating to these terms shall be filed only in the courts located in Hong Kong, and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purposes of litigating any such action. If any provision of these terms of use shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from these terms of use and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all previous and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, and communications, written or oral, between Better Chinese representatives and you.  Better Chinese may amend or modify this Agreement or impose new conditions at any time upon notice from Better Chinese to you as described in the Section titled “Notice” above. Any use of the Service by you after such notice shall be deemed to constitute acceptance by Member of such amendments, modifications, or new conditions.

LAST UPDATED: 1/08 © 2004 Better Chinese Ltd. All rights reserved.