>>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."

Yes, and the funny thing is that, in the same document, Level Extreme gives permission to use this material to some degree. Don't get me wrong, I fully agree with the statements in the document and advice people to read it once more.

>>
>>Do they have the right to stop the website?
>
>Yes. LevelExtreme owns the UT and can suspend it at anytime.

Where did you read this?? You sound so sure..


>>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.

I sense in your words that you actually think it's not fair and that payments for years ahead should be paid back. Am I right?

>>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).

So, you agree that they have no right to do everything? I specifically used the word 'everything' because Denis Chassé explicitly used that word.

>>
>>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.

I wonder whether JVP is prospectless if he decides to go to court. No, just kidding, I don't want to throw oil on the fire.
What I try to find out is not so much what rights a member actually has, but rather whether the members have the right to be a partner in defining the rights. It is my observation that sometimes it's quite easy and other times it's too difficult to influence the administration.