TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Last Updated: 5/15/2026

Welcome to Bloodhound Media. By accessing or using our website, records database, or subscription services, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms. Please read them carefully.

1. Mission and Purpose

Bloodhound Media is an investigative reporting venture dedicated to raising awareness of critical issues throughout West Virginia, sharing public information, and elevating the voices of Mountaineers who boldly challenge the status quo. Our platform is designed to facilitate the dissemination of public records and foster civic engagement.

2. Content Disclosure & No Legal Advice

Bloodhound Media is an independent media and transparency advocacy platform focused on public accountability, civic engagement, and issues affecting West Virginia communities.

  • Not Legal Advice: We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Any records shared, legal interpretations of the WV FOIA, editorial comments, or observations provided are for informational, journalistic, and public-interest purposes only.
  • Independent Commentary & Advocacy: Our content may include investigative reporting, advocacy, public records analysis, opinion commentary, and citizen-focused resources intended to encourage informed civic participation and government accountability.
  • Professional Counsel: Nothing published by Bloodhound Media should be construed as legal representation or professional legal counsel. Individuals seeking legal advice should consult a licensed attorney regarding their specific situation.

3. Accuracy, Validation, and User Responsibility

While Bloodhound Media attempts to validate and authenticate all information and records prior to publication, we do not make any guarantees regarding the absolute accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content.

  • Verification: Users are solely responsible for their own validation of the facts. We strongly encourage users to seek primary information and verification directly from the applicable Public Bodies.
  • Third-Party Data: Features such as “My Representatives” and “Data Maps” rely on third-party government data. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the underlying data provided by these entities.

4. Interactive Content and User Contributions

  • Quizzes, Polls, and Games: These features are for engagement and educational purposes. Results are based on user input and do not constitute professional assessments.
  • Comments and Ratings: By posting comments or ratings, you grant Bloodhound Media a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, publish, and distribute that content.
  • Prohibited Conduct: You agree not to post content that is defamatory, harassing, or intended to interfere with the site’s operation. We reserve the right to moderate or remove user-generated content at our sole discretion.
  • Submissions: Submitting a lead, request, or nomination through our forms does not constitute a contract or obligate Bloodhound Media to investigate any matter. Bloodhound Media retains full discretion regarding the publication or modification of content and the addition or removal of site features.

5. Records Database and Subscriber Services

  • Subscriptions: Access to PDF records is provided via a paid subscription.
  • No Refunds: All subscription payments are final. Bloodhound Media offers no refunds for subscription fees once processed.
  • No Scraping: You are prohibited from using automated tools (bots, scrapers, or crawlers) to download bulk records or data from the Records Database. Unauthorized scraping may result in immediate account termination without a refund.
  • Availability: We do not guarantee that specific records will remain available indefinitely. We reserve the right to remove or modify records for legal, privacy, or editorial reasons.

6. Intellectual Property and Brand Protection

  • Original Content: All original investigative reporting, editorial commentary, and original photography created by Bloodhound Media LLC are our exclusive property and are protected by United States copyright laws.
  • Brand Assets: The Bloodhound name, logo, and visual identity are the property of Bloodhound Media and may not be used, copied, or displayed without our prior written consent.
  • No Endorsement: Use of our branding in a way that suggests endorsement, affiliation, or approval by Bloodhound Media is strictly prohibited.
  • Unauthorized Use: Unless explicitly labeled as “Public Domain,” all media on this site should be considered protected. You may not download, reproduce, or redistribute any images from this site for commercial purposes without our express written consent.

7. Technical Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

  • Site Operation: As the site is maintained via custom development, we do not guarantee that the site will be error-free or uninterrupted.
  • Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bloodhound Media and its owner/operator shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the site, reliance on our content, or any data inaccuracies.

8. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Bloodhound Media LLC and its owner/operator from and against any claims, damages, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from your misuse of the site, your violation of these Terms, or your infringement of any third-party rights (including privacy or copyright).

9. Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

10. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Your continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.