Terms of Service for About Kitsap

Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Welcome to About Kitsap. These Terms of Service govern your access to and use of AboutKitsap.com, including our articles, event listings, business listings, local guides, forms, directories, advertisements, sponsorships, newsletters, and other website features.

By accessing or using AboutKitsap.com, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use the website.


1. About About Kitsap

About Kitsap is a local online publication and community resource focused on Kitsap County, Washington, including Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, Kingston, Suquamish, Seabeck, Keyport, Manchester, Southworth, Olalla, and surrounding communities.

Our website may include:

  • Local news and articles
  • Community stories
  • Event listings
  • Business listings
  • Restaurant and shopping guides
  • Tourism and travel information
  • Outdoor recreation content
  • Sponsored content
  • Advertising opportunities
  • Submitted community information
  • Links to third-party websites and resources

For purposes of these Terms, “About Kitsap,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to aboutkitsap.com, the owner and operator of AboutKitsap.com.


2. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

About Kitsap
Email: contact@aboutkitsap.com
Website: AboutKitsap.com


3. Acceptance of These Terms

By using AboutKitsap.com, you confirm that:

  • You have read and understood these Terms.
  • You agree to be bound by these Terms.
  • You will use the website only for lawful purposes.
  • You will not use the website in a way that violates these Terms or applicable law.

If you use the website on behalf of a business, organization, event organizer, advertiser, sponsor, or other entity, you represent that you have authority to accept these Terms on that entity’s behalf.


4. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

Your continued use of AboutKitsap.com after changes are posted means you accept the updated Terms.

We encourage you to review this page periodically.


5. Website Content Is for General Information

AboutKitsap.com provides general informational, editorial, tourism, lifestyle, business, and community content.

Although we work to provide helpful and accurate information, website content may not always be complete, current, or error-free. Details such as event dates, business hours, prices, ferry schedules, restaurant availability, addresses, seasonal operations, park rules, and local conditions may change without notice.

You should verify important details directly with the business, event organizer, venue, government agency, ferry operator, park authority, or other official source before making plans, purchases, reservations, or travel decisions.


6. No Professional Advice

Content on AboutKitsap.com is provided for general informational purposes only.

Nothing on the website should be considered:

  • Legal advice
  • Financial advice
  • Medical advice
  • Tax advice
  • Real estate advice
  • Safety advice
  • Professional consulting advice
  • Emergency guidance

You are responsible for consulting appropriate professionals or official authorities before relying on information for important decisions.


7. Local Information Disclaimer

About Kitsap may publish information about local businesses, events, parks, attractions, restaurants, shops, venues, organizations, and community resources.

We do not guarantee that:

  • A business is open or operating
  • An event will occur as scheduled
  • Pricing is current
  • Hours are accurate
  • A venue has availability
  • A business is licensed, insured, or qualified
  • A product or service will meet your expectations
  • A location is safe, accessible, or suitable for your needs

You are responsible for confirming information directly with the relevant third party.


8. Event Listings

AboutKitsap.com may publish event listings submitted by event organizers, businesses, community groups, nonprofits, public agencies, or other third parties.

By submitting an event, you represent and warrant that:

  • You have the right to submit the event information.
  • The information you provide is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
  • You have permission to submit any images, logos, descriptions, or media included with the event.
  • The event does not violate any law, regulation, intellectual property right, privacy right, or third-party right.
  • The event is appropriate for publication on AboutKitsap.com.

We reserve the right to edit, reject, remove, categorize, reformat, or decline any event listing at our sole discretion.

Publishing an event listing does not mean About Kitsap endorses, sponsors, organizes, guarantees, or is responsible for the event.


9. Business Listings

AboutKitsap.com may publish business listings, directory profiles, service provider listings, restaurant listings, shop listings, professional listings, or other local business information.

Business listings may be submitted by business owners, authorized representatives, users, partners, or gathered from publicly available sources.

By submitting a business listing, you represent and warrant that:

  • You are authorized to submit the listing.
  • The information is accurate and not misleading.
  • You have permission to use any submitted photos, logos, descriptions, trademarks, or other materials.
  • The listing does not violate any third-party rights.
  • The listing complies with applicable laws and regulations.

We may edit, update, reject, remove, reformat, categorize, or decline any listing at our sole discretion.

Publication of a business listing does not mean About Kitsap verifies, endorses, guarantees, recommends, licenses, certifies, or approves that business.


10. User Submissions

You may be able to submit content to AboutKitsap.com, including but not limited to:

  • Event information
  • Business information
  • Photos
  • Logos
  • Comments
  • Corrections
  • Article suggestions
  • Community updates
  • Reviews or testimonials
  • Messages through contact forms
  • Advertising or sponsorship inquiries

Collectively, these are referred to as “User Submissions.”

You are solely responsible for your User Submissions. You agree not to submit content that:

  • Is false, misleading, defamatory, abusive, obscene, hateful, threatening, or harassing
  • Violates any law or regulation
  • Infringes copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other rights
  • Contains malware, spam, phishing attempts, or harmful code
  • Includes private information about another person without permission
  • Impersonates another person, business, or organization
  • Promotes illegal activity
  • Is excessively promotional, deceptive, or irrelevant
  • Violates these Terms or our editorial standards

We may remove or refuse any User Submission for any reason.


11. License You Grant to About Kitsap

When you submit content to AboutKitsap.com, you grant About Kitsap a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, edit, publish, display, distribute, modify, format, excerpt, promote, and otherwise use the submitted content in connection with:

  • AboutKitsap.com
  • Event listings
  • Business listings
  • Articles and guides
  • Newsletters
  • Social media
  • Marketing materials
  • Sponsored or promotional content
  • Website archives
  • Search engine indexing
  • Other related editorial or promotional uses

This license allows us to operate and promote the website and its content.

You retain any ownership rights you may have in your submitted content, but you give us permission to use it as described above.


12. Submitted Photos, Logos, and Media

If you submit photos, graphics, logos, videos, or other media, you represent and warrant that:

  • You own the media or have permission to submit it.
  • You have obtained any necessary releases from identifiable people shown in the media.
  • You have permission to use business logos, trademarks, or branding.
  • The media does not infringe any copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other rights.
  • The media may be published by About Kitsap online and in related promotional materials.

Do not submit photos of minors, private property, copyrighted works, sensitive situations, or identifiable individuals unless you have all necessary permissions.


13. Editorial Discretion

About Kitsap maintains full editorial discretion over all website content.

We may, at any time and for any reason:

  • Edit content for clarity, length, tone, formatting, SEO, or accuracy
  • Decline submissions
  • Remove published content
  • Update or correct listings
  • Add context or disclaimers
  • Change categories or tags
  • Modify titles, descriptions, excerpts, or images
  • Refuse advertising, sponsorships, or paid placements

We are not obligated to publish any submitted content.


14. Paid Listings, Advertising, and Sponsorships

About Kitsap may offer paid products or services, such as:

  • Featured business listings
  • Sponsored articles
  • Sponsored event placements
  • Display advertising
  • Newsletter sponsorships
  • Promotional packages
  • Directory upgrades
  • Local marketing partnerships

Purchasing a paid service does not guarantee specific traffic, clicks, sales, leads, ranking, exposure, search engine placement, or business results.

Unless otherwise stated in a written agreement, we may reject, edit, pause, cancel, or remove paid content that we believe violates these Terms, our editorial standards, applicable law, platform rules, or community expectations.

Sponsored content and advertising may be identified as sponsored, promoted, paid, partner content, advertising, or similar language where appropriate. FTC guidance states that endorsements and promotions should not be misleading, and material connections between advertisers and endorsers should be disclosed.


15. Payments

If you purchase paid services from About Kitsap, you agree to provide accurate billing and payment information.

Payments may be processed by third-party payment processors. We are not responsible for errors, delays, security practices, or policies of third-party payment processors.

You agree to pay all fees associated with the services you purchase, including any applicable taxes.

Prices, packages, and service offerings may change at any time unless otherwise stated in a written agreement.


16. Refunds and Cancellations

Refunds and cancellations are handled according to the specific terms of the product or service purchased.

Unless otherwise stated in writing:

  • Completed advertising placements are non-refundable.
  • Published sponsored content is non-refundable.
  • Paid listings are non-refundable once published or activated.
  • Setup, design, writing, administrative, and processing fees are non-refundable.
  • Cancellations do not guarantee a refund for unused time or impressions.
  • We may issue refunds at our discretion.

Insert your preferred refund policy here:

Refund Policy: TBD


17. Sponsored Content and Affiliate Links

AboutKitsap.com may include sponsored content, paid promotions, affiliate links, partner links, or advertisements.

If we use affiliate links, we may receive compensation when users click links, make purchases, book services, or take other actions.

Sponsored or affiliate content does not guarantee that we endorse every product, service, business, or claim made by a third party.

We aim to disclose sponsored and affiliate relationships where appropriate. The FTC’s endorsement guidance addresses disclosures for material connections in advertising, endorsements, sponsored content, and influencer-style promotions.


18. Third-Party Websites and Links

AboutKitsap.com may link to third-party websites, including:

  • Business websites
  • Event organizer websites
  • Ticketing platforms
  • Tourism resources
  • Government websites
  • Ferry schedules
  • Restaurant websites
  • Social media profiles
  • Advertiser websites
  • Affiliate partners
  • Embedded maps or videos

Third-party websites are not controlled by About Kitsap. We are not responsible for their content, accuracy, availability, privacy practices, security, products, services, prices, policies, or actions.

Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk and subject to their terms and policies.


19. Link Verification

We make reasonable efforts to include useful and relevant links, especially in articles, listings, and event pages. However, websites can change, move, redirect, or become unavailable without notice.

We do not guarantee that all links will remain active, accurate, safe, or up to date.

If you find a broken or incorrect link on AboutKitsap.com, please contact us at [Insert Contact Email].


20. Intellectual Property

All content on AboutKitsap.com, except User Submissions and third-party materials, is owned by or licensed to About Kitsap and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Articles
  • Guides
  • Page copy
  • Logos
  • Graphics
  • Website design
  • Layouts
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Directories
  • Event descriptions created by us
  • Business listing descriptions created by us
  • Metadata
  • Branding
  • Original compilations and organization of content

You may view and share website content for personal, non-commercial use, provided that you do not remove attribution or misrepresent the source.

You may not copy, reproduce, republish, scrape, distribute, modify, sell, or exploit About Kitsap content without prior written permission.


21. Limited Permission to Share Content

You may share links to AboutKitsap.com on social media, in emails, or on other websites.

You may quote short excerpts from our content for commentary, news, or reference purposes, provided that you credit About Kitsap and link back to the original page.

You may not republish full articles, directory content, event roundups, business listings, images, or substantial portions of our website without written permission.


22. Trademarks

The name About Kitsap, the About Kitsap logo, and related branding may be trademarks, service marks, trade names, or branding assets of About Kitsap.

You may not use our name, logo, or branding in a way that suggests endorsement, partnership, sponsorship, or affiliation without written permission.

Business names, logos, and trademarks appearing in listings, ads, or articles belong to their respective owners.


23. Copyright Complaints and DMCA Notices

If you believe that content on AboutKitsap.com infringes your copyright, you may submit a copyright complaint.

Your notice should include:

  • Your name, address, phone number, and email address
  • A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
  • The URL or location of the allegedly infringing material
  • A statement that you have a good-faith belief that use of the material is not authorized
  • A statement that the information in your notice is accurate
  • A statement, under penalty of perjury, that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner
  • Your physical or electronic signature

Send copyright notices to:

Copyright Contact: DMCA
Email: contact@aboutkitsap.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 4921, South Colby, WA 98367

If About Kitsap uses the formal DMCA safe harbor process, the U.S. Copyright Office says service providers must make designated agent contact information publicly available and provide that information to the Copyright Office’s designated agent directory.


24. Repeat Infringer Policy

We may remove content and restrict or terminate access for users who repeatedly submit infringing material or violate intellectual property rights.

We reserve the right to remove allegedly infringing content at our discretion, with or without notice.


25. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use AboutKitsap.com to:

  • Violate any law or regulation
  • Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
  • Infringe intellectual property rights
  • Harass, threaten, defame, or abuse others
  • Upload malware, viruses, spyware, or harmful code
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website
  • Interfere with website security or performance
  • Scrape, crawl, harvest, or copy website content without permission
  • Use automated tools to overload the website
  • Submit spam or deceptive promotions
  • Impersonate another person, business, or organization
  • Misrepresent your affiliation with a business or event
  • Collect user information without permission
  • Use the website for unlawful commercial purposes
  • Attempt to manipulate rankings, reviews, listings, or event visibility

We may restrict or block access to users who violate these Terms.


26. Accounts and Login Features

If AboutKitsap.com offers user accounts, contributor accounts, business owner accounts, advertiser portals, or event submission accounts, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.

You agree to:

  • Provide accurate account information
  • Keep your password secure
  • Notify us of unauthorized access
  • Not share your account with unauthorized users
  • Not create accounts using false information
  • Not use another person’s account without permission

We may suspend, limit, or terminate accounts at our discretion.


27. Comments, Reviews, and Community Features

If comments, reviews, ratings, or community features are available, you are responsible for what you post.

We may moderate, edit, reject, or remove comments or reviews that we believe are:

  • False or misleading
  • Defamatory
  • Harassing
  • Discriminatory
  • Spammy
  • Promotional
  • Off-topic
  • Inappropriate
  • Illegal
  • In violation of these Terms

We do not guarantee that comments, reviews, or user-generated content reflect the views of About Kitsap.


28. Corrections and Updates

We welcome corrections and updates related to local businesses, events, articles, and community information.

To request a correction, contact us at [Insert Contact Email].

We may review correction requests at our discretion. Submitting a correction does not guarantee that we will edit, remove, or republish content.


29. Website Availability

We work to keep AboutKitsap.com available and functional, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted access.

The website may be unavailable due to:

  • Maintenance
  • Technical issues
  • Hosting interruptions
  • Security incidents
  • Software updates
  • Third-party service failures
  • Internet disruptions
  • Events beyond our control

We are not liable for website downtime, data loss, or unavailable services.


30. Search Engines, AI Systems, and Indexing

AboutKitsap.com content may be crawled, indexed, summarized, displayed, or referenced by search engines, AI search systems, social platforms, directories, and other third-party technologies.

We do not control how third-party platforms index, rank, summarize, display, or interpret our content.

You may not use scraping, data extraction, automated content harvesting, or similar methods to copy, train on, commercially exploit, or republish About Kitsap content unless authorized by us or permitted by law.


31. Privacy

Your use of AboutKitsap.com is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, share, and protect information.

Privacy Policy: Privacy policy


32. Accessibility

About Kitsap aims to provide a useful and accessible website experience for the community.

If you experience accessibility issues, please contact us at:

Accessibility Contact: contact@aboutkitsap.com

We will make reasonable efforts to review and address accessibility concerns.


33. Children’s Use

AboutKitsap.com is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13.

Children under 13 should not submit personal information through the website.

Parents or guardians who believe a child has submitted personal information may contact us at contact@aboutkitsap.com


34. Disclaimer of Warranties

AboutKitsap.com is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, About Kitsap disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

  • Accuracy
  • Completeness
  • Reliability
  • Availability
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement
  • Merchantability
  • Security
  • Error-free operation
  • Uninterrupted access

We do not guarantee that the website will be free from viruses, malware, errors, or harmful components.


35. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, About Kitsap, its owners, employees, contractors, contributors, partners, advertisers, sponsors, service providers, and affiliates will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising from or related to your use of AboutKitsap.com.

This includes, but is not limited to, damages related to:

  • Website errors
  • Inaccurate information
  • Event cancellations
  • Business closures
  • Third-party products or services
  • Travel decisions
  • Lost profits
  • Lost data
  • Lost opportunities
  • Website downtime
  • Unauthorized access
  • User submissions
  • Third-party links
  • Advertising or sponsorship results

Your sole remedy for dissatisfaction with the website is to stop using it.

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


36. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless About Kitsap, its owners, employees, contractors, contributors, partners, advertisers, sponsors, service providers, and affiliates from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising from or related to:

  • Your use of the website
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your User Submissions
  • Your event or business listing submission
  • Your infringement of intellectual property or other rights
  • Your violation of law
  • Your advertising, sponsorship, or paid listing content
  • Your dispute with another user, business, event organizer, advertiser, or third party

37. Third-Party Disputes

Any dealings between you and a third party found through AboutKitsap.com are solely between you and that third party.

This includes dealings with:

  • Businesses
  • Restaurants
  • Shops
  • Contractors
  • Event organizers
  • Venues
  • Advertisers
  • Sponsors
  • Affiliate partners
  • Ticketing platforms
  • Tourism providers
  • Service providers

About Kitsap is not responsible for disputes, damages, losses, refunds, cancellations, injuries, transactions, representations, warranties, or claims involving third parties.


38. Termination or Restriction of Access

We may suspend, restrict, or terminate your access to AboutKitsap.com at any time and for any reason, including if we believe you have violated these Terms.

We may also remove, edit, or refuse content submitted by you.

Termination does not limit any rights or remedies available to us under these Terms or applicable law.


39. Governing Law

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

To the extent permitted by law, disputes related to these Terms or AboutKitsap.com will be handled in courts located in Washington State.

Optional Venue Clause:
Any legal action related to these Terms shall be brought in the state or federal courts serving Kitsap County, Washington, unless otherwise required by law.


40. Dispute Resolution

Before filing a legal claim, you agree to contact us first and attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

Please send dispute notices to:

Email: contact@aboutkitsap.com

Your notice should include your name, contact information, a description of the dispute, and the resolution you are requesting.

We will make reasonable efforts to review and respond.


41. Severability

If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

The invalid provision will be modified or replaced to the extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving its original intent as closely as possible.


42. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any part of these Terms does not waive our right to enforce that provision or any other provision later.


43. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional written agreements that apply to specific services, represent the entire agreement between you and About Kitsap regarding your use of the website.


44. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact:

About Kitsap

Email: contact@aboutkitsap.com
Website: AboutKitsap.com