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The problem with writing them of course, is that if you don’t know what you are doing, you might end up getting in quite a bit of trouble. A good set of terms and conditions need to be watertight to cover you (and more importantly, your client) from all sorts of possible things that could go wrong, and ensure that everything is transparent and fair.
So, in the spirit of sharing, I thought I would share my template Facebook terms and conditions that I have written (and even had checked by a lawyer). Obviously, you need to fill in the blanks, edit bits which might be different (e.g. the selection of the winners) and also develop them to integrate extra elements of your campaign that might exist (e.g. rounds of voting). However, whatever you are doing, they are a great starting point. Feel free to share and distribute.
<client> Game Terms and Conditions
1. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
2. You are providing your information to <client> and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for contacting you if you are one of the winners.
3. The end date of the promotion is scheduled for <date>. Entries will close at <time> on this date.
4. The end date is however subject to change, and is to be made at <client> discretion.
5. <prize information>
6. All prizes will be awarded by sweepstake (random draw) by an independent third party.
7. Winners will be drawn from players of the game, who have submitted their details to be entered in for a chance to win.
8. All winners will be contacted individually via email. Winners may be required to take part in promotional activity. Winners who do not respond within 7 days will forfeit their prize and another winner will be selected and contacted.
9. A full list of prize winners can be obtained by writing to <client or agency address>
10. All prizes are non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and are not redeemable for cash or other prizes. <client> retain the right to substitute the prize with another prize of similar value in the event the original prize offered is not available due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control. There is no cash alternative.
11. The promotion is not open to employees of <client>, their agencies or anyone else connected with the creation or administration of the promotion.
12. No responsibility is taken for entries lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete due to server functions, virus, bugs or any other causes outside <client> control. Proof of entry is not proof of receipt.
13. <client> cannot accept any responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant as a result of entering the promotion or accepting the prize or any injury or damage to the entrant's or any other person's computer or mobile telephone relating to or resulting from participation in or downloading any materials in connection with the promotion.
14. <client> reserve the right to suspend and disqualify any user(s) who they suspect of breaking these terms and conditions.
15. The promotion will be governed by English law.
16. The promoter: <client address>
17. <client> reserves the right to make changes to products at any time and without notice. E&OE.
18. There is no legal recourse. <client> and its selected third parties decisions are final in all cases.
19. The promoter and its suppliers shall not be held responsible for any injuries, damages or losses caused to any prize winner in conjunction with terrorist activities, social or labour unrest, natural or nuclear disaster, flood, fire, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, or conditions outside the control of the promoter and its Suppliers.
20. The promoter and its suppliers are not liable for any change, compensation, cancellation, loss, damage, expense or failure to perform any contractual obligation which is due to any event or circumstances which the promoter (or its suppliers) could not foresee or avoid.