Always Read the TOS

TOS stands for Terms of Service. Sometimes they are mile long pages with teeny-weenie type filled with legal mumbo jumbo. Most of us don't read those, even though we probably should make the effort to ensure there is nothing in there that will hit us in the back of the head sometime in the future.

That said, you need to read them so you can play by the rules. In particular, the TOSes that you should read are those at Search Engines, Directories and Web sites that offer functionality and services for your use. By not doing so you look lazy or at best arrogant that your time is too valuable to take the time to read the rules of participation.

I run a regional directory that has a very, very basic TOS. No one reads it. One requirement is that you have your address clearly noted on your site. How else would I know where you are located to know if you fit in my regional directory? It is astounding that 3 out of 5 submissions don't have their address; a basic Web design staple, anywhere on their site! I do have areas for sites outside the regional area that my directory covers but do those sites outside the area submit there. Nope.

All day long submissions come in that don't meet my TOS requesting to be listed in categories that are not the most appropriate as also noted in the TOS. What do you think is says about you when you want to utilize and take advantage of a site's free services but you won't take the time to read the rules so that you can do so with courtesy and understanding? Tells me you don't get in my directory!

If you run across a site whose services you would like to use, take a few moments and show the site owner the appropriate respect and read their Terms of Service to be sure their service is even one you can or will be authorized to utilize. Then e-mail your submission. It's just the right thing to do.