New and confused about 2257...

[TwinDevils]

Greetings all!

I'm putting together my first site, showcase sponsor content. When I apply as an affiliate to the various sponsor sites, I don't see an information about 2257 that I'm supposed to display. Should these sites be providing me with documentation?

Take OCCash for example...when I log into to my account, there's no 2257 section that explains what I should be disclosing on my site that promotes their content.

Appreciate any help!

[Hammer]

Try the search function, it's all been covered many, many times before.

Sponsors do not want you to know the truth though, so whatever you do, don't listen to them.

Basically, if you use explicit content you need the docs and you need to list your name and address on your site. If you don't want to do that and can't get the docs, you need to stick to using non-explicit content on your own sites.

[TwinDevils]

I noticed in one of the many posts you replied to about 2257, you said:

In the meantime, I suggest adding a 2257 link and then creating a page with either links to the 2257 pages of any sponsors you use or better yet, listing their custodian of records directly on the page.


Is this still a valid technique?

[balls_deep]

you need to read and search more. 2257 is the law in which those of us in the USA must follow. No explicit content with out documentation. If you don't already have the docs, don't expect your sponsors to provide them.

that means no penetration, pink, or graphic depictions... in short

my advice is to call a lawyer and let them explain it to you, it will cost a small fee but will bring you up to speed quickly.

[TwinDevils]

Originally posted by balls_deep
you need to read and search more. 2257 is the law in which those of us in the USA must follow. No explicit content with out documentation. If you don't already have the docs, don't expect your sponsors to provide them.

that means no penetration, pink, or graphic depictions... in short

my advice is to call a lawyer and let them explain it to you, it will cost a small fee but will bring you up to speed quickly.

Thanks for the advice. I am in the states and I'm building a site that promotes OCCash for starters. The explicit thumbs will redirect to OCCash sites.

[balls_deep]

if you host explicit thumbs on your server you are violating the law, without physically possessing the docs yourself.

[TwinDevils]

Originally posted by balls_deep
if you host explicit thumbs on your server you are violating the law, without physically possessing the docs yourself.

I'm actually referencing them not physically hosting the files. The sponsor site provides me with an absolute reference to their content (http://www.sponsorsite.com/explicit_thumbnail.jpg). The sponsor is technically hosting the content. I'm simply hosting the packaging...none of which is explicit.

Does the law make such a distinction?

[balls_deep]

if there are explicit images on your server you need the docs bottom line.

i suggest you start by actually reading the law.

[Ledrak]

So I know 2257 is a US law, but say my office where I would keep the 2257 documents is located outside the US?

[mynameisjim]

I'm actually referencing them not physically hosting the files. The sponsor site provides me with an absolute reference to their content

You're talking about hotlinking and that is a bit of grey area. I would say that although you might be able to argue in court it is not technically on your server, you did publish it.

I suppose you could be the first to try to set precedence in court but I would suggest finding a softcore thumb would be easier.

[TwinDevils]

Originally posted by mynameisjim
You're talking about hotlinking and that is a bit of grey area. I would say that although you might be able to argue in court it is not technically on your server, you did publish it.

I suppose you could be the first to try to set precedence in court but I would suggest finding a softcore thumb would be easier.

Yeah, based on the feedback I got off this thread, I consulted two lawyers and one of the sponsor sites. One lawyer said I need the documents physically on file. The other said it was a grey area.

The sponsor obviously said that I could just reference their 2257 statement in the footer.

Nutty...

[Hammer]

Originally posted by TwinDevils

The sponsor obviously said that I could just reference their 2257 statement in the footer.

Nutty...

Like I said, the sponsors are the last places you should look for honest answers about 2257.

[Cozy Monica]

What drives me INSANE is that most sponsors STILL do not offer much in the way of softcore banners.

[theviking]

Originally posted by Ledrak
So I know 2257 is a US law, but say my office where I would keep the 2257 documents is located outside the US?

If you are based in the US, you have to go with US laws. If you can dig up those documents within reasonable time when the feds knocking your door and want to check it, it doesent matter if you keep them under the north pole.

If you work with US based sponsors, you are located in the US or have hosting in the US i suggest anyone to follow US laws.

If you are located somewhere else, work with non-US based sponsors and your hosting is not in the US 2257 does not comply to you, but you still have to follow the laws in the country you are located, the country your sponsor are located and the TOS for the hosting you are using.

[TwinDevils]

Originally posted by Hammer
Like I said, the sponsors are the last places you should look for honest answers about 2257.

Agreed...however, they gave me the same advice that I quoted you as giving above in a previous thread.

[balls_deep]

sponsors do not care about the legality of your site. They already posses the docs and are in no jeopardy of prosecution. If they give you explicit content to promote and you use it to sell their material they aren't going to care. But when the feds knock on the door with a warrant remember your sponsors aren't going to care then either.