Policies and terms of service
This page provides a summary of my policies and terms of service, in a reader friendly format. A sample copy of the agreement I use with my full terms of service is linked in the next section. If there are differences between documents, the terms of service provided with the agreement for services will be the binding ones.
Sample agreement
A sample agreement is available, allowing you to view the information provided, my complete terms of service, and statement of ethics. It is provided as a Google Doc, so I can include explanatory comments.
Contacting me
This is the website of Jenett Silver, for the research consulting business Seek Knowledge, Find Wisdom. (Jenett Silver is the name I use online for Pagan community interactions, but is not my legal name.)
I can be reached by email through the contact form on this site or by selecting the email icon in the social media icons.
I can be reached by postal mail at the following address. Please email or use my contact form to let me know to check the box promptly.
Seek Knowledge, Find Wisdom
PO Box 1255
Arlington, MA 02474
Privacy
All services are confidential. I do not share your information or question with anyone. (But bear in mind that communications over the Internet are rarely entirely secure.) I reserve the right to release information in cases of imminent harm to self or others or due to legal requirements.
I may refer at future points to research I’ve done in general conversation, but never anything that would identify a specific individual as asking about it – for example “I was reading about the alignment of Egyptian temple structures last month and…” that could have easily been a bit of personal research, or the result of a conversation with a friend. (This example is a conversation I’ve actually had multiple times with a friend.)
Technology and privacy
My website collects some information about visitors: this is largely statistical and includes referring pages and search terms. I do not set any cookies.
I collect the minimum information required to arrange services and payment. If you supply me with an email or mailing address or other identifying information, I will use it only to contact you about services you’ve asked about, and to provide the services you requested, as outlined in our agreement.
If you subscribe to my newsletter, your information is completely confidential. I do not give your information to third parties. I will never send out spam. You may opt out at any time. I collect the minimum amount of information needed to provide the newsletter (your email address).
I do not partner with or have special relationships with any ad server companies.
I have appropriate security measures in place, both digitally and in person, to protect against loss, misuse, or alteration of information collected from you at this site. This site is hosted by A Small Orange, and I also use some Google services to share materials and host my research consulting forms. I use Google Analytics for site statistics, but do not use the services that can provide more identifying demographic information. I am the only person with passwords to the accounts, but recognise that access to these materials is technically available to system administrators and equivalent access.
Payment
All payments for services must be tendered in advance. Standard procedure is to invoice through PayPal (which allows credit cards not associated with a PayPal account). Other terms are permitted if negotiated and if they appear in our agreement for services.
Communication
Expectations
You can normally expect replies to emails within 1-2 calendar days. I will communicate when I expect to begin work for you a few days in advance if I am not scheduling it immediately.
I value prompt replies, but at times may be unavailable, travelling, ill, etc. Delays of more 2-3 calendar days will be noted in an auto-reply, or on the contact form on this site whenever possible. I have a day job, and do not reply to emails relating to Seek Knowledge, Find Wisdom during those work hours.
It is your responsibility to let me know if there are errors in the agreement or other communications that affect the services I am providing, and to respond promptly if I ask for updated information (I allow 72 hours minimum.) Failure to do so may result in duplicate information or resources that do not meet your current needs.
Future contact
I will contact you as described in our agreement, in order to provide services we have arranged. If you choose to subscribe to my newsletter, you will also receive mail periodically through that provider. You can opt out at any time.
In the course of later reading and learning, I may come across sources of interest to your project. I would like to be able to share these with you if I choose (there is no charge for this voluntary follow-up service). If you would prefer I not contact you once our agreed work is done, please let me know at any time and I’ll note that in my files.
Limitations and restrictions
The services of Seek Knowledge, Find Wisdom should never be used in place of professional counselling. I am a librarian, not a doctor, lawyer, or any other kind of licensed professional.
These services do not take the place of legal, medical, business, or financial advice. If your inquiry involves the law, finance, or medicine, you should seek the advice of a licensed and qualified legal, financial, or medical professional.
In keeping with professional standards for librarians, I may direct you to reliable sources on these topics if relevant to your question, but evaluation of these sites and any choices you make about these topics is your sole responsibility.
I am a trained witch and priestess, but I do not provide direct practical religious advice, training, or spiritual services about witchcraft, magic, ritual, or other related topics through this service. I may use my knowledge of these subjects to direct you to resources that can assist with your question. The report provided will include resources and materials you can use to make your own decisions (which may include information about groups, teachers, events, or other resources near you.)
I perform research in accordance with the ethical standards of the library profession. Because there are a number of variables involved in research that can limit success (time allotted, whether specific sources exist or are accessible to the researcher, languages required) there is no guarantee of specific, positive, or desired results. I promise to do my best work on your behalf, and that is all I can offer.
In some cases, research may turn up very different results than you anticipated. Your fee provides for my time, not specific information, results, or other outcome. I explain the sources I found and why they should be considered in my report. You are not paying for a results-oriented product; what you are paying for is services- and experience- oriented.
Age
I do not provide services to people under the age of 18, principally because they cannot enter into legal agreements for payment. I’m open to discussions that include a parent, guardian, or other appropriate person.
Refusal of service
As a matter of policy, I reserve the right to refuse service for any reason.
In particular, I reserve the right to decline specific topics or questions, or to decline to work with a client if I feel I cannot ethically provide high-quality service. Some topics where this applies are outlined on my questions pages.
Refunds
You are requesting individualised research and consulting services based on my experience, specialised knowledge, professional training, and personalised attention. Thus, my services are non-refundable. That said, I want to be sure that you get the most from the resources I provide, so if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. I would be glad to see what I can do to resolve any concerns you may have.
Resources
My site and services contain links to third party websites, resources, and other materials. You acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible or liable for availability, accuracy, content, or policies of third party websites or resources, and that these materials may be edited or change at any time. Links to such websites and resources do not imply any endorsement by or affiliation with Seek Knowledge, Find Wisdom or Jenett Silver. You acknowledge sole responsibility for and assume all risk arising from your use of any such websites or resources.
Part of my ethical code includes noting affiliations, personal connections, and related interactions when making reference to sites, resources, or individuals where there is an existing connection.
However, it is possible I may not remember or realise a connection (due to the complexity of the Pagan community and other often pseudonymous online and offline spaces), or make note of it in all cases. I am glad to make corrections or add clarifying notes if you alert me to any issues of this kind. You are responsible for evaluating all links for your own needs.
Any affiliate links will be clearly identified, if present.
Copyright
I retain copyright to all materials provided through my research and consulting services unless otherwise explicitly agreed in writing. License is commonly granted through the agreement for services for the client to share, copy, or otherwise distribute the content provided but this does not transfer the copyright. Transfer of rights requires an explicit written agreement and significant fee.
You (or the appropriate copyright holder) retain copyright to any materials provided to me for purposes of research and consulting services.
Ethics
I provide a statement of ethics on this site, and also in my terms of service agreements.
Last updated July 17, 2017
