Terms of Service

Last updated: January 29, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Idlewire ("the Platform," "our Service," "we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Idlewire, Inc.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform. By creating an account, subscribing to content, posting comments, or otherwise using the Platform, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes through the Platform or via email. Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Description of Service

Idlewire is a multi-sided publishing platform that enables:

•Creators to build personal websites, publish articles and projects, engage with audiences through comments, manage newsletter subscriptions, and monetize their content
•Consumers (readers) to subscribe to creator newsletters, post comments, and interact with published content

The Platform provides tools for content creation, audience engagement, website customization, analytics, and monetization. The Platform includes AI-powered features such as content analysis, writing suggestions, automated content moderation, and image generation.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Types

•Creator Accounts: Full access to publishing, property management, analytics, and monetization features. Created through Clerk authentication.
•Consumer Accounts: Reader accounts for subscribing to newsletters and posting comments. Verified via email magic link.

3.2 Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to create an account. Users under 18 must have parental or guardian consent to use the Platform. For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the applicable age of digital consent in your country applies (typically 13-16 years).

3.3 Account Registration

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration. You must keep your account information updated. You may not use a false identity or impersonate any person.

3.4 Account Security

You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must immediately notify us at support@idlewire.io of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Content Policies

4.1 Your Content

You retain all intellectual property rights to the content you create and publish on the Platform ("Your Content"). By publishing content, you grant Idlewire a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to host, display, reproduce, modify (for formatting purposes), and distribute your content through the Platform for the purpose of operating and promoting the service.

4.2 Content Standards

You agree that Your Content will not contain material that:

•Is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, or invasive of privacy
•Infringes on the intellectual property rights of others
•Contains malware, viruses, or malicious code
•Promotes illegal activities, violence, or self-harm
•Contains spam, unsolicited commercial content, or deceptive practices
•Impersonates any person or entity or misrepresents your affiliation
•Contains child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or exploits minors in any way
•Promotes terrorism or violent extremism

4.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to review, edit, or remove content that violates these Terms. We use both automated AI systems and human moderators to enforce our policies. We are not obligated to monitor all content but will respond to reports of violations. Repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination.

5. AI Acceptable Use Policy

The Platform provides AI-powered features including content analysis, writing suggestions, and image generation. Use of these features is subject to the following restrictions:

5.1 Prohibited AI Uses

You must NOT use AI features to:

✕Generate images of real people — including celebrities, public figures, politicians, or any identifiable individual without their explicit consent
✕Create deepfakes or deceptive synthetic media — realistic fake images, audio, or video intended to deceive viewers about their authenticity
✕Generate content that impersonates real individuals — creating text or media that falsely represents it was created by or depicts a real person
✕Create harmful, hateful, or discriminatory content — including content that targets individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
✕Generate content that violates intellectual property rights — reproducing copyrighted works, trademarks, or other protected materials
✕Create content intended to deceive, defraud, or mislead — including disinformation, fake news, scams, or social engineering attacks
✕Generate illegal content — or content promoting illegal activities including but not limited to weapons, drugs, fraud, or exploitation
✕Create content for harassment, bullying, or intimidation — targeting specific individuals with the intent to harm or threaten
✕Generate explicit sexual content or non-consensual intimate imagery
✕Attempt to circumvent AI safety measures — using prompt injection, jailbreaking techniques, or other methods to bypass content restrictions

5.2 User Responsibilities

•You are solely responsible for all AI-generated content you publish on the Platform
•You must review and verify that AI outputs comply with all applicable laws before publishing
•AI suggestions are advisory only and do not constitute professional advice
•You may replace AI-generated images with your own at any time

Enforcement

• Violations result in immediate content removal
• Repeated violations result in account suspension or termination
• Idlewire reserves the right to report illegal AI-generated content to authorities
• We may cooperate with law enforcement investigations involving AI abuse

6. Website Properties

6.1 Property Creation

Creators can establish website properties with custom paths (e.g., idlewire.com/your-name) or custom domains. You are responsible for ensuring that your chosen domain or path does not infringe on trademarks or violate applicable laws.

6.2 Property Management

You have full control over your property's content, design, and settings. We provide hosting and technical infrastructure but do not control your content choices. You are solely responsible for the content published on your property.

6.3 Custom Domains

If you use a custom domain, you are responsible for domain registration, renewal, and DNS configuration. Idlewire is not responsible for domain-related issues or disputes.

7. Subscriptions & Newsletters

7.1 Consumer Subscriptions

When you subscribe to a Creator's newsletter, you agree to receive email communications from that Creator through our Platform. You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email or by managing your preferences.

7.2 Email Verification

We require email verification for subscriptions and comments to prevent abuse. Verification links expire after 24 hours.

7.3 Subscriber Data Ownership

You own your subscriber relationships. As a Creator, you maintain ownership of and control over your subscriber list. You may export your subscriber data at any time through the Dashboard. Idlewire acts as a data processor on your behalf, processing subscriber data according to your instructions and as necessary to provide the Platform services.

7.4 Creator Responsibilities for Subscriber Data

As the data controller for your subscriber data, you are responsible for:

•Ensuring you have a lawful basis for collecting and processing subscriber data
•Providing appropriate privacy notices to your subscribers
•Complying with applicable email marketing laws (CAN-SPAM, GDPR, CASL, and similar regulations)
•Honoring unsubscribe requests promptly (within 10 business days)
•Responding to data subject access requests from your subscribers
•Not selling, renting, or sharing subscriber lists without explicit subscriber consent
•Maintaining your own privacy policy that discloses your data practices to subscribers

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in account suspension or termination.

7.5 Subscriber Import Requirements

When importing subscriber data to the Platform (from Substack, Ghost, Mailchimp, Beehiiv, CSV files, or other sources), you represent and warrant that:

•Lawful Authority: You have the legal right and authority to transfer such subscriber data to Idlewire
•Valid Consent: Each subscriber has provided valid consent to receive email communications from you, and such consent permits continued communication through a new platform
•Lawful Collection: The subscriber data was originally collected in compliance with all applicable privacy and data protection laws (including GDPR, CAN-SPAM, CCPA, and CASL)
•No Purchased Lists: The subscriber list does not contain purchased, rented, scraped, or otherwise improperly obtained email addresses
•Accurate Data: The subscriber data is accurate and up-to-date to the best of your knowledge

You accept full responsibility for any claims, damages, or regulatory penalties arising from imported subscriber data. Idlewire reserves the right to suspend accounts that import data in violation of these requirements.

7.6 Comments

Comments are subject to automated moderation and may be reviewed before publication. Creators may moderate comments on their content. By posting comments, you grant Idlewire and the Creator a license to display your comment publicly.

8. Payments & Billing

8.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through Stripe. By making a payment, you agree to Stripe's terms of service. Idlewire does not store full credit card numbers.

8.2 Creator Subscriptions (Platform Fees)

Creator subscriptions are billed on a recurring basis (monthly or annually). Prices are displayed before purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled before the renewal date.

8.3 Consumer Paid Subscriptions

Creators may offer paid subscriptions to their content. Pricing is set by each Creator. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled. Refund policies for consumer subscriptions are determined by the Creator and applicable law.

8.4 Refunds

Platform subscription refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact support@idlewire.io for refund requests. We generally do not provide refunds for partial billing periods.

8.5 Taxes

Prices may not include applicable taxes. You are responsible for any taxes associated with your use of the Platform, except for taxes on Idlewire's income.

9. Creator Payouts

9.1 Revenue Share

Creators receive 90% of net revenue from paid subscriptions, affiliate earnings, and other monetization features. Idlewire retains 10% as a platform fee. Payment processor fees (Stripe) are deducted before the split.

9.2 Stripe Connect

To receive payouts, Creators must complete Stripe Connect onboarding. You agree to Stripe's terms and must provide accurate tax and identity information.

9.3 Payout Schedule

Payouts are processed according to your Stripe account settings. Standard payout timing is typically 2-7 business days after earnings are confirmed.

9.4 Tax Obligations

You are responsible for reporting and paying applicable taxes on your earnings. Idlewire may issue tax forms (e.g., 1099-K) as required by law.

10. Affiliate Links & FTC Compliance

10.1 Affiliate Program

Creators may use affiliate links through our integration with Sovrn and other affiliate networks. Click tracking and conversion data is collected to calculate earnings.

10.2 FTC Disclosure Requirements

Creators MUST disclose affiliate relationships in compliance with FTC guidelines.

When using affiliate links, you must:

•Clearly disclose that you may earn commissions from affiliate links
•Place disclosures prominently near affiliate content (not hidden in footers)
•Use clear language readers can understand (e.g., "This post contains affiliate links")
•Not make false or misleading claims about products to earn commissions

10.3 Idlewire's Role

Idlewire provides affiliate link management tools but is not responsible for Creators' compliance with FTC guidelines. Failure to properly disclose affiliate relationships may result in content removal or account action.

11. Third-Party Embeds

The Platform allows embedding content from third-party services including YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, and Twitch. When you embed third-party content:

•You are responsible for ensuring you have rights to embed the content
•Third-party services may set their own cookies and track users
•Third-party terms of service apply to embedded content
•Idlewire is not responsible for third-party content, availability, or policies

12. Intellectual Property

12.1 Idlewire IP

The Platform, including its design, features, code, and branding, is owned by Idlewire, Inc. and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any part of the Platform without our written consent.

12.2 User Content Ownership

You retain ownership of content you create. The license you grant us is limited to operating the Platform and does not transfer ownership.

12.3 Feedback

If you provide feedback or suggestions about the Platform, we may use them without compensation or attribution to you.

13. DMCA & Copyright

13.1 Copyright Policy

Idlewire respects intellectual property rights and expects users to do the same. We will respond to valid copyright infringement notices that comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

13.2 Filing a DMCA Notice

To report copyright infringement, send a written notice to our Designated Agent including:

1.Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
2.Identification of the infringing material and its location on our Platform
3.Your contact information (name, address, phone, email)
4.A statement that you have a good faith belief the use is not authorized
5.A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information is accurate and you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on their behalf
6.Your physical or electronic signature

13.3 Designated Agent

Idlewire DMCA Agent
Idlewire, Inc.
Attn: Copyright Agent
1001 Bannock Street #1010
Denver, Colorado 80204
Email: legal@idlewire.io

13.4 Counter-Notification

If you believe your content was removed in error, you may file a counter-notification. Counter-notifications must include your contact information, identification of the removed material, a statement under penalty of perjury that you believe the removal was a mistake, consent to jurisdiction, and your signature.

13.5 Repeat Infringers

We will terminate the accounts of users who are repeat copyright infringers.

14. Prohibited Uses

You agree NOT to:

✕Use the Platform for any illegal purpose or in violation of any laws
✕Interfere with or disrupt the Platform or servers
✕Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform
✕Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
✕Circumvent any security or access control measures
✕Collect user data without consent
✕Use the Platform to send spam or phishing attempts
✕Create multiple accounts to evade restrictions or bans
✕Engage in fraudulent activities including fake engagement or reviews

15. Account Termination & Deletion

15.1 Termination by You (Creator Accounts)

You may request account deletion at any time through your Account Settings in the dashboard. The deletion process works as follows:

1.Verification: You will receive an email to verify your deletion request
2.7-Day Cooling-Off Period: After verification, your account will be scheduled for deletion in 7 days. You may cancel the deletion during this period
3.Permanent Deletion: After 7 days, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted

15.2 Termination by You (Consumer Accounts)

Consumer accounts may be deleted immediately through the Consumer Preferences page. Upon deletion, your subscription history and comments will be removed.

15.3 Effect of Creator Account Deletion

By proceeding with account deletion, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

•
Subscription Cancellation: Your Idlewire platform subscription (if any) will be cancelled immediately. You will not receive a refund for the current billing period.
•
Paid Subscriber Refunds: If you have paid subscribers, their subscriptions will be cancelled immediately and they will receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of their billing period.
•
Pending Earnings Forfeiture: Any pending payouts, pending revenue transactions, or unpaid affiliate earnings will be forfeited and cannot be recovered. We recommend requesting all available payouts before initiating account deletion.
•
Stripe Connect Deauthorization: Your Stripe Connect account will be deauthorized from Idlewire. You will no longer be able to receive payments through our platform.
•
Content Removal: All your website properties, articles, projects, media files, and other content will be permanently deleted.
•
Open Invoices: Any outstanding invoices will be voided. However, you remain responsible for any amounts owed to Idlewire prior to deletion.

15.4 Data Export Before Deletion

Before deleting your account, we recommend exporting your personal data through the Account Settings page. Under GDPR and CCPA, you have the right to receive a copy of your personal data in a portable format. This export does not include published content, which you should back up separately.

15.5 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in illegal activity, or pose a risk to other users or the Platform. We will provide notice when possible but may act immediately for serious violations. In cases of termination by us for violations, pending earnings may be forfeited.

15.6 Survival

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect, including but not limited to intellectual property rights, disclaimers, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution.

16. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

We disclaim all warranties including but not limited to:

•Merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement
•Uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation
•Accuracy or reliability of any content, including AI-generated content
•That the Platform will meet your specific requirements

AI features are provided as tools to assist you. We make no guarantees about the quality, accuracy, or appropriateness of AI-generated content. You are responsible for reviewing and editing all AI outputs.

17. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

•IDLEWIRE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES
•OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF $100 USD OR THE AMOUNTS YOU PAID TO US IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS
•WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY AI-GENERATED CONTENT YOU CHOOSE TO PUBLISH
•WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR USER-GENERATED CONTENT OR THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability, so some of the above may not apply to you.

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Idlewire, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

•Your use of the Platform
•Your content, including AI-generated content you publish
•Your violation of these Terms
•Your violation of any third-party rights
•Your collection, handling, or processing of subscriber data, including claims arising from imported subscriber lists
•Any claims by subscribers or data protection authorities relating to your email communications or data practices

19. Dispute Resolution

19.1 Governing Law

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

19.2 Informal Resolution

Before filing a formal dispute, you agree to contact us at legal@idlewire.io to attempt informal resolution. We will try to resolve disputes within 30 days.

19.3 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. Arbitration will be conducted in Denver, Colorado, or remotely if permitted by AAA rules.

19.4 Class Action Waiver

YOU AND IDLEWIRE AGREE THAT DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. If this waiver is found unenforceable, the entire arbitration provision shall be void.

19.5 Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property violations or unauthorized access. Small claims court actions are also permitted where eligible.

19.6 Opt-Out

You may opt out of arbitration by sending written notice to legal@idlewire.io within 30 days of first accepting these Terms.

20. General Provisions

20.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Idlewire regarding the Platform.

20.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

20.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not waive our right to do so in the future.

20.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

20.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, strikes, or internet outages.

21. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

General Inquiries

Email: support@idlewire.io

Legal Matters

Email: legal@idlewire.io

Mailing Address

Idlewire, Inc.
1001 Bannock Street #1010
Denver, Colorado 80204
United States

These Terms of Service are effective as of January 29, 2026 and replace any prior agreements.