>Do they have the right to publish a vfp-book based on content of threads?
Probably not. From
http://www.levelextreme.com/Copyright.asp "Anyone who contributes material to the Universal Thread retains ownership of the said contributions."
>
>Do they have the right to stop the website?
Yes. LevelExtreme owns the UT and can suspend it at anytime.
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>Do they have the right to ban a paying member and forfeit the payment, even if that member paid for more years ahead?
By signing up, you agree to the terms and conditions. If one of those forfeiture of payments made in advance is specified in the terms and conditions, then the UT probably can do that. If it's not specified, then it's questionable.
>
>Do they really have the right to do everything?
It's a business and can run the business anyway they please, so long as it is legal in the place of business (in this case, Canada).
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>Is the only right of a member to retreat if he/she doesn't like some action?
In the US, anyone can file legal action against anyone else at anytime. The case may not hold water, but the filing can be made. If you feel there that you have been harmed by action taken against you, you can probably go to court in Canada against the UT and it's owner, Level Extreme.
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Microsoft .Net MVP, Grape City Community Influencer