Terms of Service - Step Out Columbus

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Welcome to Step Out Columbus! We’re thrilled you’re here. Step Out Columbus (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is a hyper-local media company that celebrates the best of Columbus and Central Ohio. Our website, https://stepoutcolumbus.com (the “Site”), along with our social media channels and newsletters, is designed to help you discover amazing local experiences, businesses, and events.

By accessing or using our Site, you agree to follow these Terms of Service (“Terms”). Please read them carefully before using our services.

1. Using Our Website

You’re welcome to explore Step Out Columbus to find great things to do, eat, and enjoy in Central Ohio. By using our Site, you confirm that you are at least 13 years old and that you will follow these Terms and all applicable laws.

You may not use our Site for any illegal or harmful activity, or to post anything inappropriate, misleading, or offensive.

2. User Accounts

You can create an account on Step Out Columbus to post content such as comments, recommendations, or listings (“User Content”). When you create an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information.

• Keep your login credentials secure.

• Be responsible for all activity under your account.

We reserve the right to suspend or delete accounts that violate these Terms or our community guidelines.

3. User Content

By posting or submitting any content on our Site, you grant Step Out Columbus a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, reproduce, and share your content for the purpose of operating, promoting, or improving our services.

You retain full ownership of your content. However, by posting, you represent and warrant that:

• The content is your original work, or you have all necessary rights and permissions to post it.

• Your content does not infringe any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights of others.

• You are solely responsible for any content you post, and you agree to indemnify Step Out Columbus against any claims related to copyright or ownership disputes.

We take copyright law seriously and will remove any content reported or found to violate applicable copyright or intellectual property laws.

We may also remove any content that violates our policies, contains false information, or is otherwise inappropriate.

4. Advertising and Sponsored Content

Step Out Columbus offers advertising and sponsored content opportunities for local businesses and organizations. If you are an advertiser, additional terms may apply, which will be provided at the time of purchase or contract.

We aim to clearly label all sponsored or paid content so readers know when something is an ad.

5. Intellectual Property

All content on Step Out Columbus — including text, images, logos, graphics, and designs — is owned by or licensed to Step Out Columbus and protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute any materials from our Site without written permission.

6. Links to Other Sites

Our Site includes links to third-party websites. These sites are not operated by us, and we’re not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or policies. Visiting those sites is at your own discretion.

7. DMCA and Copyright Complaints

We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect our users to do the same.

If you believe that any content on our Site infringes your copyright, please send a DMCA takedown notice to our designated agent that includes the following information:

• Your name, address, telephone number, and email address.

• A description of the copyrighted work you believe has been infringed.

• A description of where the allegedly infringing material is located on our Site (a URL or direct link is best).

• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

• A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the information you have provided is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on their behalf.

• Your physical or electronic signature.

Designated DMCA Agent:
Step Out Columbus
📧 info@stepoutcolumbus.com
📍 Columbus, Ohio, USA

Once we receive a valid notice, we’ll review it promptly and take appropriate action, which may include removing or disabling access to the reported material. We may also notify the user who posted the content.

8. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

We work hard to provide accurate, up-to-date, and fun information about Columbus and Central Ohio — but we can’t guarantee that everything will always be perfect. All content on our Site is provided for informational purposes only and “as is.”

Step Out Columbus is not responsible for any losses or damages that result from using our Site or relying on our content.

9. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms occasionally to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on this page with an updated effective date.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please reach out to us at:
📧 info@stepoutcolumbus.com