Forum Hosting? Adult Content?

Does HostGator allow forum hosting? And does it allow Adult Content(i.e. porn) on the forum?

[Stef]

Yes, we allow forums and adult content.

Stef.

[GatorJason]

Adult content is allowed. Please read our TOS for any specifics....
hostgator.com/tos.shtml

The TOS seems unclear about Adult content (nude photos, for example). The TOS says:

"All services provided by HostGator.com may only be used for lawful purposes. This includes, but not limited to: copyrighted material, material we judge to be threatening or obscene, pornography. The customer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless HostGator.com from any claims resulting from the use of our services."

The second sentence starts with "This includes" which is a continuation of "lawful purposes" So you're saying that the things in the second sentence are what you do allow to be posted, or you're saying no. I really can't figure out what it means. I asked my lawyer friend and he said it was meaningless as written.

So what is your real policy. I don't want to signup for service and then find I can't post nude photos (glamour style).

Thanks,
doc

As with most polices with HostGator, the policy is use your common sense. They have to write something, but not be too restrictive and have to hold to it in every case. If what you are posting appears to be non consented, copyrighted, or otherwise unlawful in some way, they are going to have to do something about it. Use your judgment. They are really trying to work with their clients here. Most componies wouldn't bother with the hassle. If something seems borderline to you, get in touch with support and ask. I'm not trying to preach or anything, but sometimes not having it set in stone works better for everyone.

Staren

Originally Posted by Unregistered

As with most polices with HostGator, the policy is use your common sense. They have to write something, but not be too restrictive and have to hold to it in every case. If what you are posting appears to be non consented, copyrighted, or otherwise unlawful in some way, they are going to have to do something about it. Use your judgment. They are really trying to work with their clients here. Most componies wouldn't bother with the hassle. If something seems borderline to you, get in touch with support and ask. I'm not trying to preach or anything, but sometimes not having it set in stone works better for everyone.

Staren

Good advice, as long as it is legal under US law we are fine with it.

I've spoken to one of the Customer Service reps and got a clear answer about 3 weeks ago. Here is the summary, in clear well defined terms.



ADULT CONTENT -> ALLOWED

ILLEGAL ADULT CONTENT (ex: child pornography) -> NOT ALLOWED


I'm hoping this is clear enough. If you have a specific website, like a 'Donkey Intimacy' site, I'd suggest you discuss the ACTUAL content niche with them directly without assuming that you're doing it by the books when you're not.