How did RankBoards
get started?
I was doing some research on why we like certain people and products. We have things we really like – our favorites – and things that we don't think are all that great. We automatically rank things in our minds. It occurred to me that ranking is hardwired into our system.
Around this same time, my son Colin started firing off ranking questions to me. He started asking me:
“Dad, what is your favorite snake?”
“Dad, what is the best Japanese car?”
“Dad, I like the Siberian tiger, what is your favorite tiger?”
He continues to ask me these questions on a daily basis. Just this morning he asked me what my favorite wolf was; I never really thought about it, but just kind of assumed there was just one type of wolf. There are a bunch of different wolves! Well, now, my son has a place to list his favorite wolves, dinosaurs, and crustaceans! He can also ask other people to vote on them - a real win/win situation!
So, it was this research I was doing and the constant questions from my son that made me think that I should build something that allows people to vote, rank, and share things on the Web. I shared the idea with a bunch of people and they all said the same type of thing: “That's awesome! Wait, doesn't that exist?” Well, as far as I can tell, it doesn't exist. So we built it!
Beyond this basic foundation, our goal is to provide a way for you to vote, rank, and share the people and products that you are passionate about. If you are moving to a new area, then I want you to be able to quickly find the best dentists, day care providers, and cool spots to check out. If you are passionate about sports or celebrities, then I want you to be able to debate and vote up your team or actor. Additionally, I want you to be able to share more about who you are in a very easy way. I want your friends to be able to quickly learn about your favorite books and movies, but I also want them to know about who you are becoming. Life is a journey and it can be fun to let others know where we are going.
In short, I launched this site because I think we naturally rank and share things all of the time. I wanted there to be a place on the Web to do these things. And – I wanted my son to have a place to fire off questions to learn more about the world around him :)
I'm delighted you've found us!
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RankBoards.com Privacy Policy
Welcome to RankBoards Your privacy is extremely important to us, so we have taken several steps to protect your privacy. This privacy policy describes the way that we use and collect your data. Please review this policy carefully and in its entirety. If you have questions about this policy, then please contact us at support@rankboards.com.
You may not use RankBoards if you do not agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy; you understand that RankBoards can change this privacy policy by posting changes to this Web site. Your ongoing use of RankBoards indicates that you accept any changes to the Privacy Policy.
Personal data is information that can be used to identify you as an individual. By registering on the RankBoards service, you agree:
- to comply with the terms and conditions of this Privacy Policy, and
- that RankBoards and any User may process (i.e., collect, use, etc.) your Personal Data as described in this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service. Personal Data may be processed by RankBoards or User(s) in the country where it was collected as well as other countries (including the United States) where laws regarding processing of Personal Data may be less stringent.
Information that RankBoards collects
We collect information about you in a variety of ways. When you register for RankBoards, we collect personal information that is necessary for you to use the Service. If you join RankBoards with your Facebook or Twitter account, then we will also gather information about you (name, email, username) that you have provided to Facebook or Twitter. This information is known as Personal Data and includes your username, password, email address and photo. We also collect meta-data about the overall site, like the frequency of page views and other aggregate information. Finally, we collect information about your computer, like your IP address and browser information.
RankBoards may also record your IP address when submitting information in order to combat online crime or fraud. When you use the RankBoards Address Book service, you also provide contact information of other people.
Additionally, we collect aggregate information and non-identifying information, which we may use to look at trends, statistics, and share with third-parties for further analysis. With regards to your social networking sites, if you use the service via your Facebook or Twitter account, then you will be asked to decide whether or not you want to share your activity on Facebook and Twitter.
You are responsible to keep your password secure. You can also decide not to share any Personal Data with RankBoards by not registering with RankBoards. You can also cancel your RankBoards account.
How RankBoards uses your information
We use your information to provide you the best service that we can. Your basic information, which includes your username, photo, and/or other information, is displayed to other members.
Cookies:
RankBoards uses cookies – small pieces of information on your hard drive – to make your experience of the Service tailored, quicker, and efficient. These allow you to enter the Site without having to re-enter your username and password each time that you use the service. Cookies also show us how users are utilizing the Service, which, in turn, allows us to make it better. If you choose to disable the cookies, then you will not be able to use RankBoards.
Information of Invitees
When you invite your contacts to RankBoards, we will ask that you provide their email addresses, so that we can automatically send them an invitation to join.
Third Party Links
RankBoards utilizes third party advertisers, and some posts will include links to third party sites, but RankBoards is not responsible for the privacy policies of these third party advertisers or third party links. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the privacy standards of each Website that you frequent.
Other Disclosure
Other than the above mentioned self-disclosure in your personal profile information, know that anything you choose to disclose in any other place on RankBoards can be reviewed and used by other members of RankBoards. Use wise judgment when posting information. We cannot control your level of disclosure and will not be liable in any way for another's use or misuse of the information you disclose.
RankBoards may disclose Personal Data if required by a subpoena or other judicial or administrative order, where required by law, or, at our sole discretion, where we deem necessary to protect the safety of any individual or the general public or to prevent violation of our Terms of Service or the rights of RankBoards or any third party.
RankBoards is privately owned and does not currently have a parent company or any subsidiaries or other joint ventures; however, RankBoards may partner with another company in the future. If RankBoards partners, or is acquired by another company, then we will seek to have our partner, or acquiring company, follow this Privacy Policy. If RankBoards is acquired by or purchased by another company, we reserve the right to transfer all of RankBoards' User information to the acquiring entity. If this occurs, then RankBoards will post this information and you can then choose to modify or deactivate your account.
RankBoards uses best practices and industry standard security measures to protect information under our control. RankBoards works hard to provide a high level of security; however, we cannot guarantee complete security and we cannot assume liability to third parties that may be in your address book or contacts on Facebook.
Changing, Updating and Removing User Information
You can change, update, and/or remove your information at any point. Your Personal Data may be retained in our backup files and archives.
No Spam Policy
Users must not engage in any activity that involves sending email in violation of applicable law. RankBoards has a No Spam Policy and Terms of Service and any violation of these policies or Terms will result in immediate termination and may result in legal action.
International Users
RankBoards is international in scope. Consequently, we will use international user information in a manner that is reflected by this Privacy Policy. This information will be stored and transmitted on servers in the United States where laws protecting Personal Data may be more or less stringent than the laws in your jurisdiction. By using this service, and hence agreeing with this Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, you consent to the transfer and housing of such data.
Child Protection:
RankBoards complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and clearly specifies that users must be at least 13 years-old. If RankBoards learns of a user who is younger than 13, then RankBoards, at their sole discretion, can terminate that account.
Consent and Changes
As indicated above, you must accept the terms of this privacy policy to use RankBoards. You understand and agree that RankBoards can change the privacy policy by posting changes to this Website. Your ongoing use of RankBoards indicates that you accept any changes to the Privacy Policy.
Again, if you have questions or comments regarding this privacy policy, then please contact us at support@rankboards.com. Thank you! |
