The following are some important things you should know if you wish to access, browse through, or shop at, Synchronopedia.com.

Links on this page:

Acceptance of Terms Through Use of This Web Site

Privacy

Security

• Credit Card Security

• Email Security

• Digital Certificate

Rules of Conduct of This Web Site

Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability

Copyrights, Trademarks and Permitted Use

Links to Third-Parties

Governing Law

Piracy, Fraud & Prosecution

Ownership of Submitted Materials (reviews, comments, suggestions, etc.)

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Acceptance of Terms Through Use

By using this site, you signify your agreement to all terms, conditions, and notices contained or referenced herein (the "Terms of Use"). If you do not agree to these Terms of Use please do not use this site. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to update or revise these Terms of Use. Please check the Terms periodically for changes. Your continued use of this site following the posting of any changes to the Terms of Use constitutes acceptance of those changes.

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Privacy

We are committed to protecting your privacy. We use the information we collect about you to process orders and to provide a more meaningful browsing and shopping experience when you visit us at Synchronopedia.com. We may also use it to tell you about changes in our services or about special offers we think you'll find valuable (if you ask us to).

Under no circumstances will Synchronopedia release any of your information to a third party. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to others. If there is an offer or opportunity we think you might be interested in, we will tell you ourselves, and then only if you have selected the check box indicating that you would like to receive such notices. We stand by our No Junk Mail guarantee. 

Synchronopedia uses cookies which are small text files stored on your computer that record your computer's unique identification number and shopping cart's contents -- but they do not contain personal information. No one other than Synchronopedia can access them. We use them to save you time re-typing information into our shopping cart if you left suddenly or before you completed a transaction. We may also use the cookies to track which parts of the site are being visited most frequently. Knowing this helps us to minimize your time trying to navigate around the site. 

If you have any questions or comments about our Privacy policy please let us know by sending an e-mail to our customer service.

A notable exception to our Privacy policy is that Synchronopedia reserves the right to cooperate fully with local, provincial, state, federal and international officials in any investigation which may relate to any content that you may have provided to us (including personal or private electronic communication, or financial transactions transmitted on Synchronopedia.com) or purported unlawful activities in which you may be involved.

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Security

Credit Card Security

"Internet commerce is no more prone to fraud than other types of payment mechanisms."

– Canadian Bankers Association

"You often read in the press that consumers are worried about ordering online. In reality, it is not the consumers who have to worry, but the merchants. If you are a consumer, the chance of your credit card number being intercepted as it travels over the Internet are microscopically small. But if you are a merchant the chance of [being given an] order with a stolen credit card is more significant." 

– Avoiding Fraud Orders, Yahoo! Store (store.yahoo.com/vw/fraud.html)

"... it's actually much safer to enter your credit card number on a secure on-line order form than it is to give your credit card to a waiter at a restaurant."

–  Internet ScamBusters (http://www.scambusters.org/CreditCardFraud.html)

Concern about the safety of Internet transactions is understandable, but shopping at Synchronopedia is 100%safe. As an online vendor, our business success or failure rests with the commercial viability, track record, integrity, technological capabilities and financial strength, and stability of our bank and credit card processing transaction partner. Every credit card purchase you make is processed and backed by Synchronopedia, WorldPay and the WestMinster Bank.

All the credit card information you submit to Synchronopedia is transferred using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology that works with Netscape Navigator (versions 2.0 and higher) and Microsoft Internet Explorer (versions 3.0 and higher). These browsers employ state-of-the-art 128-bit encryption technology to encode your information in such a way that it is not viewable to anyone else but the intended party.

This SSL technology is actually a security “protocol” (a set of rules) that provides privacy for the individual over the Internet. This protocol allows applications that to communicate with each other in such a way that they cannot be “eavesdropped.” Synchronopedia has taken great pains to select an impeccable supplier of secure financial services. The best guarantee you can have is to know that we have placed our complete trust and our own financial well-being in their hands.

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Email Security

Synchronopedia takes serving you very seriously. Once you have joined our e-mailing list, if we ever need to contact you or our entire member base, we will do so directly. We will not use an agency to contact you on our behalf. And we will not rely on our customers to forward emails to others in order to pass along one of our messages.

Here are some of our recommendations to you for staying safe and secure when you use email online.

1. Never open attachments from unknown sources. They may contain what are known as "letter bombs" or "viruses," which can damage your PC. Many email programs provide a “previewer” that let’s you look “inside” the email without actually opening it. Use the preview feature of your email program. Use an anti-virus program too, that checks for viruses that can accompany email. Email is by far the most likely way most people will be infected by a computer virus. Take this seriously and save yourself a lot of potential grief.

2. Always remember to sign out when you are done, especially if  you are using a public terminal, at an internet cafe or a library for example. It's quick, easy and may inhibits your account from being accessed by unwanted trespassers. Also, close your browser when you are ready to end your Internet session.

3. Don't reply to unsolicited messages ("spam") mail, or other harassing or offensive mail. By responding, you confirm that you have an active e-mail address. Try instead to identify source's e-mail service provider or the customer service department of the hosting service and lodge a complaint with them. Most companies have strong policies about “spamming” and will take corrective action. Most email programs also have filters that you can set up to direct incoming email. Use your filters to either block the sender’s email or simply direct the email straight to the trash.

4. Browsers are constantly being updated, especially with new security features. Try to use the most up-to-date Internet software. The updates often address exactly the kinds of online security issues you face. With over 300 million users on the ‘net (and still growing hourly), rarely is your security issue a unique one.

5. Where possible, use a secure network. Most corporate networks and Internet service providers employ fulltime staff who watch for potential security problems and act to protect users from malicious users who may try to steal personal information that is transferred through the network. While the risk is small, use caution when on any unfamiliar network. Use stations maintained by sources you trust, or ask if the Internet terminal you are using is protected against security break-ins.

6. While we do not currently have need of a password for our Web site, you may employ passwords in your email program. We strongly recommend that you change your password often. The quick act of changing your password can ensure your e-mail remains private. In addition, passwords that use both letters and numbers are much more difficult to crack.

7. It goes in concert then, that you shouldn’t share your password with anyone else, including friends and family. It only takes one person to tell “just one” other person and your security is threatened. Legitimate network and system administrators should have no reason to ask for your password. If asked, use skepticism and common sense to determine whether or not the requesting individual truly represents your service/network provider.

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Digital Certificate

A digital certificate is an electronic equivalent to a driver's license, passport or membership card. A digital certificate is used by Web entities (you and Synchronopedia, for example, are Web entities) to electronically prove a Web identity or to electronically right that you have rightful access to information or services online in a particular Web site area. Digital Certificates are primarily used to identify people and  Web sites. This "proof of identification is crucial to secure e-business. A digital certificate provides you with trust and security when you are communicating or doing business on the Internet.

We mention this lesser-understood aspect of "safe Internet practice" to increase your confidence and trust in doing business electronically with Synchronopedia..com.  

Digital Certificates are based on an encryption technology called Public Key Infrastructure (or PKI). An earlier encryption technology called Symmetric Key Encryption used an encryption key which was the same as the decryption key. PKI is a giant leap forward because it is an encryption system that uses a unique key pair consisting of a private key that is known only by the owner, and a public key that is widely known. As we mentioned earlier, a digital certificate gives you trust and security when you communicate or do business on the Internet by providing these four essential trust factors:

 

Authentication	knowing with absolute certainty with whom you are communicating.
Integrity	keeping the content of the communication intact after it is created.
Confidentiality	keeping the content of the communication secret from unauthorized readers.
Non-repudiation	having proof of all parties approval after a transaction.

To determine if you are really dealing with the financial and hosting partners with whom Synchronopedia is entrusting its business, you can check their digital certificates at the appropriate time, typically during a secure transaction.

The people who host our Web site and guarantee secure, safe, 24-hour, 7-days-per-week access to our Web site is CanHost.

The people who process our credit card transactions and ensure that you are treated fairly and that your financial information remains private and secure is WorldPay. 

You can check CanHost's and WorldPay's digital certificates. After you have clicked on "Add to Cart" and selected your payment option, shipping method preference and taxes (if any), you will press the "Purchase" button. After inputting your address information you will press "Enter." At this point you are entering into CanHost's secure area. It will be a predominantly white screen with red letters. At this point, you can select "Properties" in your browser under the "File" drop-down menu. Select "Certificates" and you will be presented with CanHost's digital certificate. Clicking on "Proceed to Credit Card Processing" securely passes your information from CanHost to WorldPay. At this point you can review WorldPay's digital certificate using the same method. The presence of these digital certificates provide you with the peace of mind that you know with whom you are dealing.

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Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability

Synchronopedia is providing this Web site, www.synchronopedia.com, on an "AS IS, AS AVAILABLE" basis to you. You use www.synchronopedia.com at your own risk. Neither Synchronopedia nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, third-party content providers, sponsors, licensors, or the like, make any representation or warrant, either express or implied, to you (a) that www.synchronopedia.com will be uninterrupted or error-free, (b) as to the results that may be obtained from the use of www.synchronopedia.com or (c) as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information content, service, or merchandise provided through www.synchronopedia.com.

Although Synchronopedia uses reasonable efforts to include information which is accurate and current, any price and availability indicated on our Web site is subject to change without notice. All prices are in United States Dollars.

Synchronopedia reserves the right to limit quantities.

SYNCHRONOPEDIA MAKES NO, AND YOU RECEIVE NO, REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, WITH RESPECT TO www.synchronopedia.com, ITS CONTENT, ITS MERCHANDISE, SYNCHRONOPEDIA'S SERVICE OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS, INFORMATION, ITEMS OR MATERIALS PROVIDED BY SYNCHRONOPEDIA IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF www.synchronopedia.com, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION NO REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE OR OTHERWISE.

No oral advice or written information given by Synchronopedia, or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, providers, merchants, sponsors, licensers, or the like, will create a warranty or should you rely on any such information or advice.

Under no circumstances will Synchronopedia or any other party involved in creating, producing, or distributing www.synchronopedia.com be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages that result from the use of, or inability to use, www.synchronopedia.com, including but not limited to reliance by you on any information obtained from www.synchronopedia.com or that result from mistakes, omissions, interruptions, deletion of files or email, errors, defects, viruses, delays in operation or transmission, or any failure of performance, including without limitation those that result from acts of God, communications failure, theft, destruction, or unauthorized access to Synchronopedia's records, programs, or services.

The above  applies to all content, merchandise, and services available through www.synchronopedia.com. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages. In such jurisdictions liability is limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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Rules of Conduct

You agree to abide by our Rules of Conduct, including but not limited to, agreeing not to use this site for any unlawful purpose. 

By posting information in or otherwise using any service that may be available to you on or through this Web site, you agree that you will not upload, post, or otherwise distribute or facilitate distribution of any content -- including text, communications, software, images, sounds, data, or other information -- that:

1. is unlawful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, libelous, deceptive, fraudulent, invasive of another's privacy, contains explicit or graphic descriptions or accounts of sexual acts (including but not limited to sexual language of a violent or threatening nature directed at another individual or group of individuals), or uses vulgar language;
2. victimizes, harasses, degrades, or intimidates an individual or group of individuals on any basis, including, but not limited, religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or disability;
3. infringes on any patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, right of publicity, or other proprietary right of any party;
4. constitutes unauthorized or unsolicited advertising, junk or bulk e-mail (also known as "spamming"), chain letters, any other form of unauthorized solicitation;

5. contains software viruses or any other computer code, files, or programs that are designed or intended to disrupt, damage, or limit the functioning of any software, hardware, or telecommunications equipment or to damage or obtain unauthorized access to any data or other information of any third party; or

6. impersonates any person or entity.

You also agree that you will not harvest or collect, or attempt to harvest or collect information about the users of this site. 

Synchronopedia reserves the right at our sole discretion to remove any content that, in our exclusive judgment, does not comply with our Rules of Conduct, or is otherwise harmful, objectionable, or inaccurate. However, Synchronopedia is also not responsible for any failure or delay in removing such content.

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Links to Third-Parties

This site may link you to other Web sites on the Internet. These sites may contain information or material that some people may find inappropriate, offensive or in some other way undesirable or unacceptable. Synchronopedia has no connection or affiliation with these other sites unless we explicitly state otherwise. By linking to those sites from Synchronopedia.com, you acknowledge that Synchronopedia is not responsible for the accuracy, copyright compliance, legality, decency, or any other aspect of the content of such sites. Please note that the inclusion of such a link by Synchronopedia to such sites does not imply endorsement of the site by Synchronopedia or any association with its operators.

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Copyrights and Permitted Use
 

Except where noted, all of Synchronopedia's design, text, graphics and arrangement thereof is copyrighted material of Synchronopedia or its content providers. 

"Synchronopedia" and "Seepe", all page headers, custom graphics, images and custom button icons are service marks, trademarks, and/or trade dress of Synchronopedia and its respective suppliers. All other trademarks, product names and company names or logos that may be cited herein are the property of their respective owners.

All Rights Reserved. No portion of this Web site or any product sold on this Web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to, photographic, electronic, mechanical and including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of the publisher or the author, or as otherwise specifically permitted herein. 

The right of Christopher H. Seepe to be identified as the Author of the Work of this Web site and all products offered for sale herein has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

You are permitted to electronically copy, and print in hard copy, portions of www.synchronopedia.com as are specifically indicated herein for the sole purpose of purchasing products, or as a shopping resource, or as an adjunct or benefit to a Synchronopedia product already owned by you. Any other use other than as noted herein, modification, distribution, or republication without the prior written permission of Synchronopedia is strictly prohibited and is a violation of applicable laws.

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Governing Law

Our Web site (excluding links to other Web sites) is controlled by Synchronopedia from its head office in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Our Web site can be accessed from all provinces and territories of Canada, as well as from other countries around the world. As each of these jurisdictions has laws that may differ from those of the Province of Ontario, by accessing our Web site, you agree that all matters relating to access to, or use of, our Web site, or any other hyperlinked web site, shall be governed by the laws and procedures of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada. You hereby submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the Province of Ontario and acknowledge that you do so voluntarily, without coercion or any other influence, and shall be responsible for complying with such local laws.

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Ownership of submitted materials (reviews, comments, suggestions, etc.)

You acknowledge that any content, offers, information, opinions (including without limitation, reviews, etc.) (hereafter "Content") you may provide to our Web site becomes the exclusive property of Synchronopedia, including all copyright, without reservation, and you waive in favour of Synchronopedia any and all moral rights in such Content. You acknowledge and agree that all or any portion of the Content may be used, edited, reproduced, published, translated, sublicensed, copied and distributed and/or incorporated into other works in any form, media, or technology now known or hereafter developed for the full term of any copyright that may exist in such Content, without compensation of any kind to the user.

By submitting Content to Synchronopedia, you automatically warrant that you have the full right and authority to submit such Content, and that none of such Content is subject to any copyright or other proprietary right of a third party.

Any Content expressed or made available by third parties, including any other user of our Web site, are those of the respective third parties and not of Synchronopedia or its licensors, or any of their officers, directors, employees or agents.

Synchronopedia reserves the right to not publish, or to remove any Content that we deem in our sole discretion, to be inappropriate for the Web Site, for any reason whatsoever.

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Piracy, Fraud & Prosecution

Imprisonment for ten years and $10,000 fine for attempting fraud.
The Secret Service is a criminal law enforcement agency which operates under the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 3056. Under Section 3056, Subsection (b), the Secret Service is specifically authorized to detect and arrest any person who violates federal criminal laws relating to coins, obligations, and securities of the United States and foreign governments, electronic fund transfers, credit or debit card fraud, false identification documents or devices, and certain laws relating to financial institutions. Additionally, pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code, Sections 1029 and 1030, the Secret Service is specifically charged with the authority to investigate offenses concerning fraud and related activity in connection with computers and/or access devices. See Title 18 U.S.C. 1030(d), Fraud and related activity in connection with computers. ("The United States States Secret Service shall ... have the authority to investigate offenses under this section.").

In almost all countries of the world there are statutes, criminal and civil, which provide for enforcement of copyrighted software programs. The criminal penalties range from fines to jail terms or both. Civil penalties may reach as high as $150,000 per infringement. In many countries, companies as well as individuals may face civil and/or criminal sanctions.

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