Last updated: 2026-03-20

By creating an account or using any part of ssbbss.org, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, do not use this service.

1. THE SERVICE

SSBBSS (the Secret Society of BBS SysOps) operates a certification programme and membership registry for bulletin board system operators. The study curriculum is provided free of charge. Certification exams, membership, and physical certificates are available for a fee.

2. ACCOUNTS

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and password. You must provide an accurate email address and verify it within 30 days or your account will be automatically deleted. You may not create accounts on behalf of others without their consent. One account per person.

3. PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS

All prices are in GBP and include VAT where applicable. Exam fees are non-refundable once the exam has been started. Founding Member and membership fees are non-refundable. Physical certificate orders may be cancelled before dispatch — contact us at [email protected]. Payments are processed securely by Stripe. We do not store your card details.

4. CERTIFICATION

Certifications are awarded based on exam performance and, at the Master level, community review. SSBBSS reserves the right to revoke a certification if it was obtained dishonestly or if the holder is found to have acted in a manner seriously contrary to the values of the society. Revocation is at the sole discretion of the Society Council.

5. MESSAGE BOARD

The SSBBSS message board is a community space. You agree not to post content that is unlawful, abusive, threatening, defamatory, or harassing. You agree not to post spam, unsolicited advertising, or content that infringes third-party rights. SSBBSS and appointed moderators reserve the right to remove any content and to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these standards, without notice.

6. ACCEPTABLE USE

You may not use this service to:
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the site or its infrastructure
• Scrape, harvest, or systematically collect data without permission
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your identity
• Interfere with the operation of the service

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The SSBBSS name, logo, curriculum content, and site design are the property of the Secret Society of BBS SysOps. The study curriculum is provided for personal educational use — you may not reproduce or redistribute it commercially without written permission. Posts you make on the message board remain yours; by posting you grant SSBBSS a licence to display them on the site.

8. TERMINATION

You may delete your account at any time from your dashboard. SSBBSS reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account at any time for breach of these terms, without refund. On termination, your personal data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

SSBBSS is provided "as is". We make no guarantees of uptime or availability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SSBBSS shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the service. Nothing in these terms limits liability for death, personal injury, or fraud caused by our negligence.

10. GOVERNING LAW

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

11. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the new terms. The "last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes.