Ask HN: How do I create a Terms of Service for my Application?

12 points by J-H 13y ago ↗ HN

Hi,

I'm a high schooler who just learned PHP for the last year or so, and created a website for business owners and consumers to connect with each other. I'm now wondering how can I create a Terms of Service - I don't have any money for a lawyer, but I also don't want to go to get sued if something goes wrong because I don't have a Terms of Service? Is it possible to not get sued without one? Thanks for all help!

6 comments

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givan 13y ago ↗

Make your startup successful and worry later, when your service will take off then you will afford a lawyer, until then search terms of service generator on google and use a predefined template.

mnicole 13y ago ↗

There are services like http://termsfeed.com/ that will make one up for you on-the-fly depending on your site's features. I can't vouch for them, but if you're concerned, they might be an easy place to start.

aquark 13y ago ↗

I'm looking for something similar ... so checked it out.

In an oddly ironic way http://termsfeed.com/terms-of-use and http://termsfeed.com/privacy-policy return empty pages

[deleted] 13y ago ↗

(comment deleted)

mehmeta 13y ago ↗

If you choose to go with a template take a look at Automattic's TOS (http://en.wordpress.com/tos/) which is licensed under Creative Commons. You can make changes according to your own site and reuse it freely.

illdave 13y ago ↗

Their privacy policy is also licensed under Creative Commons and completely free to take and adapt: http://automattic.com/privacy/ - great move from Automattic.