Most web services or applications comes along with a terms of service. The terms of service is basically the rules of the road and what users agree to when using the service.
When startups are just being born, they often can’t hire lawyers to do a proper terms of service, nor can they imagine every possible scenario.
So as a startup grows and the product evolves, it’s natural that the terms of service evolves along.
But recently Tumblr made news with their latest update to their terms of service. The reason? Because they made it easy to understand.
One of my favorite lines is about the age requirement to use Tumblr
You have to be at least 13 years old to use Tumblr. We’re serious: it’s a hard rule, based on U.S. federal and state legislation, even if you’re 12.9 years old. If you’re younger than 13, don’t use Tumblr. Ask your parents for an Xbox or try books.
I love that the company cares for everything they touch including something that is typically as dry as a standard terms of service. Caring matters and one of the many reasons why i love this company.
Well done.
Update: Jacob just sent me a link to this 60k note “meme” post that are quotes from the TOS. Amazing.