Game Over Online Incorporated
Privacy Statement

 

This privacy statement covers the website www.game-over.net, game-over.net and other ancillary websites hosted in the domain names chartered to Game Over Online Incorporated.  At Game Over Online Incorporated, we take the privacy of our users and ultimately, our clients, very seriously.  As such, we have disclosed information and privacy practices in lucid and precise prose, to which we hope all users will find agreeable. 

 

The following topics are addressed:

 

1.0       Information Collection and Use. 2

1.1.      Information Use. 2

1.1.1.       Profile. 2

1.1.2.       Cookies. 2

1.2.      Information Collection. 3

1.2.1.       Registration. 3

1.2.2.       Third Party Advertising. 3

1.2.3.       Log Files. 3

2.0       Communications from the Site. 4

2.1.      Forum and Updates. 4

2.2.      Service Announcements and Contests. 4

2.3.      Customer Service. 4

3.0       Sharing. 4

3.1.      Legal Disclaimer 4

3.2.      Third Party Advertisers. 5

3.3.      Publishers and Manufacturers. 5

3.4.      Business Transitions. 5

4.0       Choice/Opt-out 5

4.1.      Links. 6

4.2.      Contests and Surveys. 6

5.0       Security. 6

6.0       Deleting/Changing Personal Information. 7

7.0       Notification of Changes. 7

8.0       Contact Information. 8

 

 

If there is a topic that has gone unaddressed or if there are further inquiries, users are invited to contact Stephen Riach, Editor in Chief, by e-mail at sriach@game-over.net.

 

Forthwith, terms such as “site”, “our website”, “the website”, “Game Over Online” and similar derivatives, unless explicitly noted, will be treated as references to Game Over Online Incorporated.  References to the forum are interchangeable with references to our message forums or message boards.  Finally, references to our mobile website (located www.game.over.net/mobile) also imply our wireless website and thus, mobile and wireless are interchangeable terms.

1.0         Information Collection and Use

 

Game Over Online Incorporated is the sole owner of the information collected on www.game-over.net and all other websites with the game-over.net domain name.  Game Over Online collects information from our users at several different points on our website.

1.1.        Information Use

1.1.1.   Profile

We store information that we collect through cookies, log files and/or third parties to create a profile of our users.  A profile is stored information that we keep on individual users, detailing their viewing preferences.  Consequently, collected information that is tied to the user are used for internal purposes only, such as improving the overall website and determining which services and content are best for our users.  We do not share your individual profile with other third parties.  Your profile is shared in aggregate form only, such as lumped statistical numbers:  a general tally visitor’s country of origin through identifiable domain names.  No information is shared such that third parties can positively identify you.  No information is used to specifically direct marketing offers towards you.   

1.1.2.   Cookies

A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s computer tied to information about the user.  On Game Over Online, only the message forums and mobile website operate on cookies.  Even then, such usage is optional.  In light of a user refusing a cookie, default preferences will be set for them.  We only use persistent cookies.  A persistent cookie is a small text file stored on the user’s hard drive for an extended period of time.  Persistent cookies can be removed by following internet browser help file directions. 

 

In the forums, by setting a cookie on our site, users would not have to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site.  If users reject the cookie, they may still use our site.  The only drawback to this is that the user will have to manually login should they choose to act on behalf of their established community persona.  Persistent cookies enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our site.  See the Profile (1.1.1) section.

 

In the mobile site, a cookie is provided to allow users to request certain material from the website and limit the amount of information they wish to see.  If the user rejects the cookie, they may still use our mobile site and a default amount of material will be pushed towards the user.  Changing such preferences is extremely simple and noted on the first page of the mobile site.  Furthermore, we provide a hyperlink to reset the cookie to default status.  Persistent cookies enable us to count, track and target the mobile interests of our users to enhance the experience on our mobile site.  See the Profile (1.1.1) section.

 

Some of our business partners use cookies on our site (for example, advertisers).  However, we have no access to or control over these cookies, once we have given permission for them to set cookies for advertising. 

1.2.        Information Collection

1.2.1.   Registration

In order to use certain features of the website, the user is required to give contact information (such as a username or identifier and e-mail address) if he or she wishes to in the message forums.  While participating in the forums does not require users to register, registration gives certain benefits and conveniences to the user:  automatically logging in for the user, reserving an identifiable moniker (also known as user name, screen name, alias or handle) and customizing the user’s preferences and appearances on the website. 

 

During registration a user is required to give contact information (e-mail address) and unique identifiers (user name and password). We use this information to contact the user about forum-related services on our site for which he or she has expressed interest.  All other fields are optional, including interests, location, instant messaging contacts and occupation but such information is encouraged to give the user a better experience within the community and enable other community members to interact with the user in a better manner. 

 

This optional information is stored in our public directory and is clearly stated as public information during sign-up.  The user can change privatize this information, modify it and remove it at any time.

1.2.2.   Third Party Advertising

The ads appearing on this website are delivered to users by Google via their AdSense program.  Information about users’ visits to this site, such as number of times they have viewed an ad (but not user name, address, or other personal information), is used to serve ads to users on this site. For more information about Google cookies, and how to "opt-out", please refer to the following links:

 

http://www.google.com/privacy.html

 

We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Web site. These companies may use aggregated information (not including your name, address, email address or telephone number) about your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp

 

This privacy statement covers the use of cookies by Game Over Online Incorporated only and does not cover the use of cookies by any advertiser. 

1.2.3.   Log Files

Like most standard website servers we use log files.  This includes internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, internet service provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, platform type, date/time stamp, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement in the aggregate, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use.  IP addresses, etc. are not linked to personally identifiable information.  We use tracking utilities called WebTrends, Webalizer, and 123LogAnalyzer that use log files to analyze user movement.  All such analysis is done in-house, provided to privileged staff members only and used to better enhance the user’s website experience.

 

2.0         Communications from the Site

2.1.        Forum and Updates

We send all new members a welcoming e-mail to verify password and username.  Established members can opt to receive notification of messages posted on the forum that involve or pertain to them.  Children under the age of 13 are required to submit signed parental consent before participating in the forum.  Out of respect for the privacy of our users we present the option to not receive these types of communications. Please see the Choice and Opt-out section (4.0).

2.2.        Service Announcements and Contests

On occasion, it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement.  For instance, if the user has breached moderator rules in forums or the user has lost his or her password, we will send information to advise them on the status of the account.  Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can request staff to deactivate their account.  However, these communications are not promotional in nature. 

 

During contests, either staff from Game Over Online Incorporated or third party contest organizers will contact users should they win.  Additional privacy terms will be listed on a per event basis.  If there are marketing tie-ins (for example, product mailing lists, customers specials), we will prominently notify the user before they disclose their contact information.  In general, if the user submits contact information for a contest, we cannot let them opt-out of communiqué because at minimum, we are obligated to notify potential winners and depending on the contest rules, notify such users if they are not qualified or have lost.

 

We will be judicious in respecting each user’s concern for spam and will not send out anything beyond the minimum amount of necessary communication required.

2.3.        Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regards to issues relating to their experience on our website.  We reply via e-mail or phone, in accordance with the users wishes.

 

3.0         Sharing

3.1.        Legal Disclaimer

Though we make every effort to preserve user privacy, we may need to disclose personal information when required by law wherein we have a good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a current judicial proceeding, a court order or legal process served on our website.

3.2.        Third Party Advertisers

Game Over Online Incorporated shares website usage information about users with reputable third party advertisers (Google) for the purpose of attracting advertisers.  We also release general website statistics (i.e. number of visitors) and geographical makeup (of the ISP the user uses) to allow potential advertisers judge whether it is worthwhile to sell advertising to our site.  None of this information can be personally tied to positively identify you.

 

Third party advertisers may use this information for their own purposes.  Please refer to their privacy policies if you wish to opt-out from the statistics they collect:

 

http://www.google.com/privacy.html

3.3.        Publishers and Manufacturers

Game Over Online Incorporated shares website usage information about users with reputable publishers and manufacturer companies.  We release general statistics (i.e. number of visitors) and geographical makeup (of the ISP the user uses) to let companies judge whether they desire our press coverage. 

 

While you cannot opt-out of this, we do not share information that can be personally tied to positively identify you.  Should we desire such information, such as specific demographics (gender, age, etc.), we will prominently notify you upon collection.

3.4.        Business Transitions

In the event Game Over Online Incorporated goes through a business transition, such as a merger, being acquired by another company, or selling a portion of its assets, users’ personal information will, in most instances, be part of the assets transferred.  Users will be notified via prominent notice on our website for 30 days prior to a change of ownership or control of their personal information.  If as a result of the business transition, the users’ personally identifiable information will be used in a manner different from that stated at the time of collection they will be given choice consistent with our notification of changes section.

 

4.0         Choice/Opt-out

Our users are given the opportunity to ‘opt-out’ of having their information used for purposes not directly related to our site at the point where we ask for information.  This includes such one-time events as contests handled by third party companies and participation in the message forums.

 

Users who no longer wish to receive communication related to forum services can toggle that particular feature off from their user profile/preferences stored in the forum.

 

Users who no longer wish their preferences to be tracked by the mobile website can clear their preferences easily when setting their preferences.  A hyperlink is displayed prominently there to help reset the user’s viewing options back to the default settings.  Persistent cookies can also be removed by following internet browser help file directions. 

 

Users of our site are always notified when their information is being collected by any outside parties.  We do this so our users can make an informed choice as to whether or not they should proceed with services that require an outside party.

4.1.        Links

This website contains frequent links to other sites.  Please be aware that we at Game Over Online Incorporated are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites.  We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every website that collects personally identifiable information.  This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this website.

4.2.        Contests and Surveys

On occasion, our site requests information from users via surveys or contests.  Participation in these surveys or contests is completely voluntary and the user therefore has a choice whether or not to disclose this information.  The requested information typically includes contact information (such as name and shipping address) and demographic information (such as age, gender, income, etc.).  Contact information will be used to notify the winners and award prizes.  Contact information may also be used to disqualify entrants and notify losers. 

 

Periodically, survey information will be used for purposes of monitoring or improving the use and satisfaction of this site.  A user’s personally identifiable information is not shared with third parties unless we give prior notice and choice.

 

Though we may use an intermediary to conduct these surveys or contests, they may not use users’ personally identifiable information for any secondary purposes, unless we allow them, to which we will clearly state what information will be passed on and for what purposes they will be used.

 

5.0         Security

This website takes every precaution to protect our users’ information.  When users submit sensitive information via the website, their information is protected both online and off-line.

 

When our registration form asks users to enter sensitive information, it is subsequently stored and protected with best practices and standards.  We use strong passwords to protect our online assets as well as employ cutting edge technology to deny intruders access to sensitive data we have on our users, whether it can be tied to individuals or not.  We value the right of our users to feel safe and comfortable in using our website. 

 

In case of tampering, we will work to ascertain the extent of such malicious damage and will post prominently on our website the extent to which we have been compromised. 

 

Likewise, we also do everything in our power to protect user information off-line.  All of our users’ information, not just the sensitive information mentioned above, is restricted in our offices.  Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, systems administration, retrieving lost passwords, resolving problem accounts) are granted access to personally identifiable information. 

 

Our employees take great care in keeping up-to-date on our security and privacy practices.  Every six months, as well as any time new policies are added, our employees are notified and/or reminded about the importance we place on privacy, and what they can do to ensure our users’ information is protected. 

 

Finally, the servers that store personally identifiable information are in a secure environment in a co-located server farm.  We personally get reports and assurances that this location undergoes 24 hour, 7 day a week, monitoring.  The premises, moreover, are restricted by key card security. 

 

If users have any questions about the security at our website, users can send an e-mail to our sriach@game-over.net.

 

6.0         Deleting/Changing Personal Information

In the message forum, if a user’s personally identifiable information changes (such as e-mail or geographical residence), or if a user no longer desires our service, we provide a way to correct, update or delete/deactivate users’ personally identifiable information.  This can usually be done at the http://www.game-over.com/forums/ or by e-mailing our support team at sriach@game-over.net. 

 

On the mobile website, if a user wishes to forfeit their customized viewing preferences, they can do so by clicking on a hyperlink in the preferences section.  It is prominently displayed at the top of the preferences page.  Furthermore, resetting one’s cookies through the web browser can also delete one’s preferences on the mobile website. 

 

7.0         Notification of Changes

If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes to this privacy statement, the homepage, and other places we deem appropriate so our users are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it.  We will use information in accordance with the privacy policy under which the information was collected. 

 

If, however, we are going to use users’ personally identifiable information in a manner different from that stated at the time of collection we will notify users prominently.  For example, if third party contest organizers demand us to include users to opt-in on their promotional offers, we will show privacy policy amendments for Game Over Online before the user has to disclose his or her information.

 

Users will have a choice as to whether or not we use their information in this different manner.  However, if users have opted out of all communication with the site, or deleted/deactivated their account, then they will not be contacted, nor will their personal information be used in this new manner.  In addition, if we make any material changes in our privacy practices that affect user information already stored in our database, we will post a prominent notice on our website notifying users of the change. In some cases where we post a notice we will also e-mail users, who have opted to receive communications from us, notifying them of the changes in our privacy practices. 

 

8.0         Contact Information

If users have any questions or suggestions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at:

 

sriach@game-over.net