Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using Opuss, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Service.

2. Use of Service

Opuss is a platform for writers to share stories and readers to discover content. You agree to use the service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You must be at least 13 years old to use this Service.

3. User Accounts

When you create an account with us, you must provide accurate and complete information. You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Content Ownership and License

Writers retain full ownership of their original content. By publishing on Opuss, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, distribute, and promote your content on the platform and in marketing materials. This license terminates when you delete your content from the platform.

5. Payments, Subscriptions, and Refunds

5.1 Free and Pro Writer Accounts

Opuss offers two account types for writers:

• Free Writers: May publish unlimited stories and build an audience, but cannot receive paid subscriptions from readers.
• Pro Writers: Pay $3/month to unlock the ability to receive paid reader subscriptions, access analytics, and display a Pro badge.

5.2 Reader Subscriptions

Readers may subscribe to Pro Writers for $3/month to receive stories via email and support their favorite creators. Reader subscriptions are:

• Processed through Stripe, our payment provider
• Charged monthly on a recurring basis
• Subject to a 10% platform fee (writers receive 90% of subscription revenue)
• Cancellable at any time through your account dashboard

5.3 Challenge Entry Fees

Writers may enter weekly writing challenges by paying a $5 entry fee. Entry fees:

• Are processed through Stripe
• Are non-refundable once submitted
• Contribute to the challenge prize pool (75% to prizes, 25% to platform)
• Grant entry rights and eligibility for prize distribution

5.4 Refund Policy

All subscriptions and entry fees are non-refundable. You may cancel your subscription at any time, and access will continue until the end of your current billing period. Refunds may be issued at our sole discretion for extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Billing errors or duplicate charges
• Platform service disruptions lasting more than 48 hours
• Writer accounts permanently suspended for Terms of Service violations (pro-rated refunds to affected readers)

To request a refund, contact us at support@opuss.com with your transaction details.

5.5 Recurring Billing and Cancellation

Subscriptions automatically renew each month unless canceled. You may cancel at any time through your account settings. Upon cancellation:

• You will not be charged for the next billing period
• Access continues through the end of your current billing period
• No partial refunds are provided for unused time

5.6 Payment Method Authorization

By providing payment information, you authorize Stripe to charge your payment method on a recurring basis. You agree to maintain valid payment information and update it promptly if it changes or expires.

6. Stripe Connect for Writers

6.1 Connected Accounts

Pro Writers who wish to receive reader subscription payments must connect a Stripe account. By connecting your Stripe account, you agree to:

• The Stripe Connected Account Agreement
• Provide accurate bank account and identity information for verification
• Comply with all applicable laws regarding taxation and financial reporting

6.2 Payouts and Revenue Splits

Reader subscription revenue is automatically split:

• 90% to Writer: Deposited directly to your connected bank account
• 10% to Platform: Retained by Opuss for platform operations

Payouts are processed by Stripe according to their standard payout schedule (typically 2-7 business days). Payout timing may vary based on your bank and country.

6.3 Account Security

Your bank account information is securely stored and processed by Stripe. Opuss does not have access to your full bank account numbers. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your Stripe account credentials.

6.4 Stripe Account Suspension

If Stripe suspends or terminates your connected account:

• Reader subscriptions will be canceled immediately
• Affected readers will receive pro-rated refunds
• You will not be able to receive new subscriptions until the issue is resolved with Stripe
• Opuss is not responsible for Stripe account suspensions or related disputes

7. Suspended and Terminated Accounts

7.1 Account Suspension Scenarios

Opuss may suspend or terminate user accounts for violations of these Terms. The impact on active subscriptions varies by scenario:

7.2 Appeals Process

If your account is suspended, you may appeal by contacting support@opuss.com within 14 days. We will review your appeal and respond within 7 business days. Our decision is final.

7.3 Data Retention After Termination

Upon account termination:

• Your public profile and stories will be removed from the platform
• We retain transaction records and audit logs for legal and accounting purposes
• Readers retain access to content through the end of their billing period, then lose access

8. Challenge Terms and Prize Distribution

8.1 Challenge Entry

Weekly writing challenges are open to all writers (Free and Pro). Entry requires:

• Payment of $5 non-refundable entry fee
• Submission of original story meeting challenge criteria
• Compliance with word count, theme, and deadline requirements

8.2 Prize Pool Distribution

Challenge entry fees are distributed as follows:

• 75% to Prize Pool: Distributed to winners according to challenge rules
• 25% to Platform: Retained by Opuss for platform operations

Prize amounts are calculated based on total entries and announced before the challenge deadline.

8.3 Winner Selection and Payouts

Winners are selected by community voting or judge panel (specified per challenge). Prize payments:

• Are paid via Stripe to winners' connected bank accounts
• Require a connected Stripe account to receive payment
• Are subject to applicable taxes (winners are responsible for tax reporting)
• Are paid within 7 business days of challenge conclusion

8.4 Disqualification

Entries may be disqualified for:

• Plagiarism or copyright infringement
• Violation of challenge rules or content policies
• Manipulation of voting or gaming the system

Disqualified entries forfeit entry fees and prize eligibility.

9. Prohibited Content and Conduct

You may not post content or engage in conduct that is:

• Illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, or defamatory
• Infringing on intellectual property rights
• Containing viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Spam, unsolicited advertising, or commercial solicitation
• Impersonating any person or entity
• Sexually explicit content involving minors (strictly prohibited)

Violations may result in immediate account suspension or termination.

10. Intellectual Property

The Opuss platform, including its design, features, and code, is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, or reverse engineer any part of the Service without our express written permission.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, OPUSS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms or the Service shall not exceed the amount you paid to Opuss in the 12 months preceding the claim.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Opuss and its affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, your content, or your violation of these Terms.

13. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive the right to participate in class actions or class arbitrations.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes via email or platform notification. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

16. Contact

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

• Email: legal@opuss.com
• Support: support@opuss.com