External Content on
The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Web Site
Purpose
The Recreation and Conservation Office
(RCO) recognizes that "external content" -- content that
is provided by non-government entities -- may be placed on RCO's public
web site. RCO does not intend that its public web site be an open
public forum. External content on pages operated or controlled by
RCO will be permitted at the sole discretion of RCO.
Applicability
This policy applies only to pages that are operated
or controlled by RCO. This policy is not intended, and shall not be
construed, to prohibit external content that:
It may be in the public interest to include on
RCO's web site:
- Links to resources that are provided by others
on web sites outside of RCO's control;
- Public acknowledgement of sponsors or other
contributors of resources to allow RCO to expand on-line information
and services; and
- Advertising, branding and sponsorships to
decrease costs and expand on-line information and services.
External content includes, but is not limited
to, links, acknowledgements, and advertisements that propose a commercial
transaction.
Content Guidelines
In exercising its discretion to allow external
content on its web site, RCO will be guided by the purpose of the
web site, which is as follows:
RCO's web site is intended to support, as efficiently,
conveniently, and cost effectively as possible, and in a manner
of presentation befitting government, the following uses by citizens,
businesses and public employees:
- Location of web sites and access to useful
public information provided by public agencies or non-profit,
non-partisan organizations; and
- Location and delivery of public services
in general and in particular, the delivery of public services
via the Internet.
RCO, at its sole discretion, will determine
whether external content, including advertisements and sponsorships,
meets these purposes. Generally, external content that does not
meet these purposes includes, but is not limited to, content that
contains, suggests, or infers any of the following:
1. Advocacy of or opposition to any politically
or socially controversial subjects, issues, or candidates.
2. Disparagement or promotion of any person
or class of persons.
3. External content not suitable for readers
or viewers of all ages, or links to or other promotion of businesses
whose products or services are not suitable for persons of all
ages.
4. Promotion or incitement of illegal, violent,
or socially undesirable conduct.
5. Promotion or availability of alcohol or
tobacco products.
6. Promotion or availability of illegal drugs.
7. Promotion or availability of adult or sexually
oriented entertainment or materials.
8. Promotion, opposition, or availability
of weapons.
9. Promotion, opposition, or availability
of gambling.
10. Claims of efficacy, suitability, desirability,
or other non-objective statements about businesses, products,
or services.
11. Content that infringes on any trademark,
copyright, or patent rights of another.
12. Claims or representations in violation
of advertising or consumer protection laws.
13. Content that a reasonable citizen may
not consider to maintain the dignity and decorum appropriate for
RCO.
Oversight and Monitoring (added July
2002)
RCO's Web Manager shall establish procedures
to monitor the implementation and continuing oversight of this policy.
These procedures shall include:
1. A process for review of all new requests
for external content links from an RCO web page to another web
page to ensure compliance with this policy prior to granting the
request; and
2. A quarterly review of not less than ten
(10) percent or a quantity of fifty (50) of the then current direct
external content links from RCO's web site, whichever is less,
to ensure that such links still comply with this policy.
Removal of Content
RCO reserves the right, at its sole discretion;
to withdraw external content that otherwise meets its guidelines.
This discretion may be exercised if RCO becomes aware, receives
claims or allegations, or has reason to inquire whether, the content
refers or links the viewer to content not on RCO's web site that
is either in violation of any of the above listed guidelines, except
No. 10, or would be reasonably likely to offend a reasonable citizen.
Withdrawal of content on these bases will be permitted whether or
not RCO is legally obligated to act upon any information of which
it is aware.
Adopted: April 13, 2003
Revised: April 14, 2003
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