Terms of Use
Last Updated: January 9, 2025
Please read these Terms of Use carefully before accessing or using any part of the thelocalstory platform. By accessing or using this platform, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not access or use the platform.
1. Definitions
Throughout these Terms, the following definitions apply:
- Platform refers to the website, web application, mobile application, and all associated services operated under thelocalstory.
- User refers to any individual or entity accessing or using the Platform, including registered and unregistered visitors.
- Account refers to the registered profile created by a User to access personalized features and services.
- Content refers to all materials, text, images, videos, audio, data, assessments, course materials, and any other information made available through the Platform.
- Instructor refers to any qualified individual or entity that delivers educational sessions, courses, or learning materials through the Platform.
- Learner refers to any User who enrolls in or participates in educational offerings available on the Platform.
- Services refers to all features, tools, functionalities, and educational offerings provided through the Platform.
- Subscription refers to any paid or free plan granting access to specific features or content tiers within the Platform.
2. Acceptance of Terms
By creating an Account, enrolling in any course or session, purchasing a Subscription, or otherwise interacting with the Platform, you agree to these Terms and any policies referenced herein, including our Privacy Policy. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and thelocalstory.
If you are accessing the Platform on behalf of an organization or entity, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.
We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform following any such modification constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. Material changes will be communicated through reasonable notice.
3. Eligibility
To use the Platform, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be at least 16 years of age. Users under 18 must have verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- You must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.
- You must not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws.
- You must not have had a previous Account suspended or terminated for violations of these Terms.
thelocalstory reserves the right to verify eligibility at any time and to suspend or terminate access for Users who do not meet these requirements.
4. Account Registration and Security
4.1 Account Creation
To access certain features of the Platform, you must register and create an Account. During registration, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the accuracy of this information at all times.
4.2 Account Credentials
You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Account login credentials. You agree not to share your credentials with any third party and to take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access to your Account.
4.3 Unauthorized Access
You agree to notify thelocalstory immediately at support@thelocalstory.gift if you become aware of any unauthorized use of your Account or any other security breach. thelocalstory will not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from unauthorized use of your Account.
4.4 Account Responsibility
You are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your Account, whether or not you authorized such activities. thelocalstory reserves the right to suspend or terminate Accounts suspected of unauthorized use.
5. Platform Services
5.1 Educational Offerings
thelocalstory provides an online learning environment offering group sessions, individual private lessons, personalized learning paths, and live interactions with Instructors. The availability, format, and content of these offerings may change at any time at the Platform's discretion.
5.2 Session Enrollment
Users may enroll in available sessions subject to capacity, eligibility requirements, and applicable payment of fees. Enrollment confirmation does not guarantee session availability in the event of unforeseen technical issues or Instructor unavailability.
5.3 Learning Paths
Personalized learning paths are provided for guidance purposes only. Completion of a learning path does not guarantee any specific outcome, certification, employment result, or academic credit unless explicitly stated.
5.4 Instructor Content
Instructors on the Platform are independent contributors. thelocalstory does not endorse, guarantee, or take responsibility for the accuracy or quality of Instructor-provided content unless specifically reviewed and certified by thelocalstory's editorial team.
5.5 Platform Availability
thelocalstory strives to maintain consistent Platform availability but does not guarantee uninterrupted access. Scheduled maintenance, technical issues, or circumstances beyond our control may result in temporary unavailability.
6. User Conduct
By using the Platform, you agree to conduct yourself in a respectful, lawful, and responsible manner. The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
- Posting, uploading, or transmitting any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.
- Impersonating any person or entity, including Platform staff, Instructors, or other Users.
- Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform, other User Accounts, or associated systems.
- Using automated tools, bots, scrapers, or similar technologies to access, collect, or interact with Platform content without explicit written permission.
- Distributing, reproducing, selling, or exploiting any Platform content for commercial purposes without authorization.
- Uploading or transmitting viruses, malware, or any code designed to disrupt, damage, or interfere with Platform functionality.
- Engaging in any activity that places an unreasonable or disproportionate load on Platform infrastructure.
- Using the Platform to distribute spam, unsolicited communications, or promotional materials without consent.
- Circumventing or attempting to circumvent any digital rights management, access controls, or security features of the Platform.
- Engaging in academic dishonesty, including sharing assessment answers, impersonating other Learners, or facilitating cheating in any form.
thelocalstory reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate action against any User who violates these conduct standards, including suspension, termination, or referral to appropriate authorities.
7. Intellectual Property
7.1 Platform Ownership
All Content, trademarks, service marks, logos, trade names, software, graphics, user interfaces, and other intellectual property displayed or available on the Platform are the exclusive property of thelocalstory or its licensors, unless otherwise stated. Nothing in these Terms grants you any ownership rights over Platform intellectual property.
7.2 Limited License
Subject to your compliance with these Terms, thelocalstory grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform solely for your personal, non-commercial educational purposes. This license does not permit redistribution, reproduction, modification, or commercial exploitation of Platform content.
7.3 User-Submitted Content
By submitting, posting, or uploading any content to the Platform, you grant thelocalstory a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, distribute, adapt, and display such content for the purposes of operating, improving, and promoting the Platform. You represent that you have all necessary rights to grant this license.
7.4 Feedback
Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas you provide to thelocalstory regarding the Platform may be used by thelocalstory without any obligation to compensate you or maintain confidentiality.
8. Fees, Payments, and Refunds
8.1 Pricing
Certain Services on the Platform require payment. All applicable fees will be clearly disclosed prior to purchase. thelocalstory reserves the right to modify pricing at any time, with changes applying to future transactions.
8.2 Payment Processing
Payments are processed through third-party payment processors. By submitting payment information, you authorize thelocalstory to charge the applicable fees. You are responsible for ensuring your payment information is accurate and current.
8.3 Subscriptions and Recurring Billing
If you purchase a Subscription with recurring billing, you authorize automatic charges at the frequency specified at the time of purchase. You may cancel your Subscription at any time through your Account settings; cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing period.
8.4 Refund Policy
Refund eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the refund policy published on the Platform. Digital content that has been accessed or downloaded may not be eligible for a refund. thelocalstory reserves the right to approve or deny refund requests at its discretion.
8.5 Taxes
You are responsible for any applicable taxes, duties, or levies associated with your purchases. thelocalstory may be required to collect and remit taxes in certain locations.
9. Privacy and Data
Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in the Privacy Policy. thelocalstory is committed to handling your personal data responsibly and in compliance with applicable data protection standards.
10. Third-Party Links and Services
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources that are not owned or controlled by thelocalstory. These links are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement. thelocalstory has no control over and assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or availability of third-party sites. You access any third-party resources at your own risk.
11. Disclaimers
11.1 No Warranty
The Platform and all Services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or uninterrupted availability.
11.2 Educational Outcomes
thelocalstory does not guarantee any specific learning outcomes, skill acquisition, exam results, certifications, or career advancement as a result of using the Platform. Results will vary based on individual effort, prior experience, and other factors.
11.3 Accuracy of Content
While thelocalstory makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and currency of Platform content, we do not warrant that all information is complete, accurate, or up to date. Users should independently verify critical information before relying upon it.
12. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, thelocalstory and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages arising out of or related to your use of or inability to use the Platform, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of revenue, loss of goodwill, or loss of anticipated savings, even if thelocalstory has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
In no event shall thelocalstory's total cumulative liability to you exceed the greater of the total fees paid by you to thelocalstory in the twelve months preceding the claim, or one hundred United States dollars (USD $100.00).
13. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless thelocalstory and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to:
- Your use of or access to the Platform.
- Your violation of any provision of these Terms.
- Any content you submit, post, or transmit through the Platform.
- Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights.
- Any misrepresentation made by you in connection with your Account or use of Services.
14. Termination
14.1 Termination by User
You may terminate your Account at any time by contacting us at support@thelocalstory.gift or through the Account settings in the Platform. Termination does not entitle you to a refund of any fees already paid except where required by applicable law.
14.2 Termination by thelocalstory
thelocalstory reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate your Account and access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for reasons including but not limited to violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or conduct harmful to other Users or the Platform.
14.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, all licenses granted to you under these Terms will immediately cease. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including intellectual property rights, disclaimers, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution provisions.
15. Modifications to the Platform
thelocalstory reserves the right to modify, suspend, discontinue, or alter any aspect of the Platform or its Services at any time, with or without prior notice. thelocalstory shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of Services.
16. Dispute Resolution
16.1 Informal Resolution
Before initiating any formal legal proceedings, you agree to contact thelocalstory at support@thelocalstory.gift to attempt to resolve any dispute informally. thelocalstory will make reasonable efforts to address your concern within thirty (30) days.
16.2 Binding Arbitration
If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by a recognized arbitration body under its applicable rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in English. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.
16.3 Class Action Waiver
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration against thelocalstory. Claims must be brought individually and not as part of a class or representative proceeding.
16.4 Exceptions
Nothing in this section prevents either party from seeking urgent injunctive or equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction to protect intellectual property rights or prevent irreparable harm.
17. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with generally accepted principles of contract law applicable to online services and digital platforms. The parties agree that the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply.
18. Accessibility
thelocalstory is committed to making the Platform accessible to all Users, including those with disabilities. We strive to meet recognized web accessibility standards and continuously improve the accessibility of our services. If you experience accessibility difficulties, please contact us at support@thelocalstory.gift so we may assist you.
19. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional policies or agreements referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and thelocalstory regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior agreements, representations, understandings, and negotiations, whether written or oral, relating to the same subject matter.
20. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or severed from these Terms if modification is not possible. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
21. Waiver
No failure or delay by thelocalstory in exercising any right, power, or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver of that right. A waiver of any breach or default shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or default.
22. Assignment
You may not assign, transfer, or delegate any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of thelocalstory. thelocalstory may freely assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or operation of law.
23. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms of Use, please contact us using the information below:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | thelocalstory |
| Mailing Address | 433 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216, United States |
| support@thelocalstory.gift | |
| Phone | +1 (508) 499-9463 |
| Website | thelocalstory.gift |
By continuing to access or use the thelocalstory platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms of Use and agree to be legally bound by them.