Hermes Internet Acceptable Use Policy

(see also "Terms and Conditions")

Our Philosophy

At Hermes Internet we don't like to be involved in policing the Internet. We support free speech, and we support free access for everyone to all resources of the Internet. Unfortunately, a certain small percentage of Internet users abuse the system. The Internet won't work if people spam, or hack, or engage in other abusive activites. Our policy is designed to protect the Internet against activities of such people.

Why is this list on PINK background? (if your machine is setup for only 256 colours, the background is probably not pink, possibly red – if so, you may like to check your display properties settings). One way to raise unsolicited email awareness amongst Internet users is to turn web pages PINK. You know, the sleazy stuff that pops up in your mailreader saying "Hi, long time since I saw you!" in the subject line, but which turns out to be an advert for a pornographic website, or a dubious pyramid scam, or for EMAIL BLASTER PRO software so you can go out and ruin other peoples mailboxes just like the spammers have ruined yours. You can read more about it at http://www.ybecker.net/pink/ Hermes Internet does not allow:
	using our mail server for mail relaying (for full explanation see FAQ page)
	spamming (sending unsolicited email or posting messages to irrelevant UsetNet newsgroups that do not explicitly allow advertising, with references to a site hosted on our servers)
	forwarding or posting "chain letters" (multiple forwarding) of any type, regardless of intent
	attempting, in any way, to interfere with or deny service to any user or any host on the Internet; this includes but is not limited to "mailbombing", "ping flooding" as well as any other deliberate "Denial Of Service" attack
	engaging in harassment, whether through language, frequency, or size of messages
	using a Hermes Internet account or network connection to collect replies to messages sent from another provider which violate these rules or those of that provider
	our network may only be used for lawful purposes. Transmission of any material in violation of any Australian or international regulations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, material legally judged to be threatening or obscene, or material protected by trade secrets
	any access to other networks connected to our network must comply with the rules appropriate for that other network
	violations and attempted violations of system & network security, or any attempt of tempering with the system with the purpose to inflict harm
	attempting to circumvent user authentication or security of any host, network, or account on Hermes Internet systems or the Internet at large (aka "cracking" or "hacking")

WARNING:

We reserve the right to close any account if we find that a member sends spam (unsolicited mail) to other users of the Internet. Please contact us if you require an additional clarification of this policy.

Outside world

Hermes Internet mail server is enhanced to filter out spam, i.e. unsolicited commercial email. It has been set up NOT TO ACCEPT ANY email coming from:

	non-existent domains,
	addresses or domains or user names or IP numbers that are on our black list of known spammers,
	IP numbers found on the black list maintained by http://mail-abuse.org/rbl/,
	IP numbers found on the list maintained by http://mail-abuse.org/dul/.

Every message originating from a 'black listed' server, spam or otherwise, is blocked. Its sender gets an appropriate notification, including a link to the mail-abuse.org website explaining what should be done to take the server off the black list.

There is no filtering of email sent anywhere by any of Hermes Internet member. It does not mean, however, that we allow our subscribers to send spam - we do not want mail.hermes.net.au to be placed on any black lists of servers used for spamming. We reserve the right to cancel subscription of anybody about whom we shall get 2 or more complaints of spamming.

See FAQ page for additional information on:

	what is mail relaying, and why ISPs do not allow it
	directory of spam-fighting information and resources
	advice for ethical marketting using Internet