GraniteCitizen.com and ILSider.com / ILSide.com
Effective Date: January 23, 2026
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("you" or "User") and 618 Digital, Inc., an Illinois corporation ("618 Digital," "we," "us," or "our"), governing your access to and use of GraniteCitizen.com, ILSider.com, ILSide.com, and any related services, features, content, applications, or newsletters (collectively, the "Services").
By accessing or using our Services, creating an account, subscribing to our newsletters, submitting content, making a purchase, or attending our events, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our Services.
Contact Information:
618 Digital, Inc.
Michael Halbrook PO Box 43 Granite City, IL 62040
Email: [email protected]
You must be at least 13 years old to use our Services. By using our Services, you represent and warrant that you are at least 13 years old. If you are under 18, you represent that you have your parent's or guardian's permission to use the Services.
If you are using the Services on behalf of a business or other entity, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms.
Certain features of our Services require you to create an account. When you create an account, you agree to:
Provide accurate, current, and complete information
Maintain and promptly update your account information
Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
We offer different types of accounts:
Free Accounts: Allow you to subscribe to newsletters, post event listings (subject to approval), and comment on articles.
Business Directory Accounts: Allow you to create and manage business listings. Free and paid tiers are available with different features and visibility options.
Subscription/Membership Accounts: May provide access to additional features, content, or benefits. Specific terms for subscription tiers will be provided at the time of purchase.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, including if we believe you have violated these Terms. You may delete your account at any time by contacting us at [email protected].
Our Services allow you to submit, post, and display content, including but not limited to event listings, business directory information, comments, photos, and other materials ("User Content"). You retain ownership of your User Content, but by submitting User Content, you grant us certain rights as described below.
By submitting User Content, you grant 618 Digital, Inc. a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, and display your User Content in connection with operating and promoting the Services.
For event listings and business directory information, this license allows us to publish, promote, and share your listings across our platforms and marketing channels.
You agree that your User Content will not:
Violate any applicable law or regulation
Infringe any intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of any third party
Contain false, misleading, or fraudulent information
Contain defamatory, libelous, threatening, harassing, or abusive content
Contain obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit material
Promote discrimination, bigotry, racism, hatred, or harm against any individual or group
Promote illegal activities or substances
Contain malware, viruses, or other harmful code
Impersonate any person or entity
Constitute spam, unsolicited advertising, or unauthorized commercial content
Interfere with the proper functioning of the Services
We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to:
Review, screen, and moderate User Content before or after publication
Edit User Content for clarity, accuracy, formatting, or compliance with these Terms
Refuse to publish or remove any User Content for any reason, including content that violates these Terms or that we determine, in our sole discretion, is objectionable or inappropriate
Disclose User Content or account information to comply with legal requirements or protect our rights
We are not responsible for monitoring all User Content and make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, quality, or reliability of any User Content.
By submitting User Content, you represent and warrant that:
You own or have the necessary rights to submit the content
Your content does not violate any third party's rights
All information you submit is accurate and not misleading
You have obtained all necessary permissions from any individuals depicted in photos or videos you submit
Event listings and business directory submissions are subject to our review and approval. We reserve the right to reject, edit, or remove any listing for any reason, including listings that are incomplete, inaccurate, inappropriate, or do not meet our quality standards.
You are responsible for ensuring that your listings are accurate and up-to-date. You agree to promptly update your listings if any information changes.
You may not submit listings for:
Illegal products, services, or activities
Adult or sexually oriented businesses (unless permitted in specific categories)
Businesses or events that promote discrimination or hatred
Multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes
Misleading or deceptive businesses
Businesses or events you do not have authority to represent
Paid business directory listings and featured event placements are governed by the specific terms presented at the time of purchase. Payments are processed through Stripe. Refund policies will be specified at the time of purchase.
We encourage thoughtful, respectful discussion in our comment sections. To comment on articles, you must have a registered account.
Comments are subject to moderation. We reserve the right to remove comments that:
Are off-topic or irrelevant
Contain personal attacks, harassment, or threats
Include spam, advertising, or self-promotion
Violate these Terms or applicable law
Are otherwise inappropriate or objectionable in our judgment
Repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination.
Comments are public and visible to all visitors. Do not post information in comments that you wish to keep private.
Newsletter subscriptions are free. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or by contacting us.
For paid services (premium business listings, event promotions, membership subscriptions, event tickets, etc.):
Payment Processing: All payments are processed through Beehiiv and/or Stripe. By making a purchase, you agree to Beehiiv’s and/or Stripe's terms of service.
Pricing: Prices are as displayed at the time of purchase. We reserve the right to change pricing at any time, but price changes will not affect existing paid subscriptions until renewal.
Recurring Subscriptions: If you purchase a recurring subscription, you authorize us to charge your payment method on a recurring basis until you cancel. You may cancel recurring subscriptions at any time; cancellation will be effective at the end of the current billing period.
Refunds: Refund policies will be specified at the time of purchase. Generally, fees for services already rendered are non-refundable.
Taxes: You are responsible for any applicable taxes.
We may organize meetups, gatherings, and other events. By registering for or attending our events, you agree to the following:
Assumption of Risk: You voluntarily assume all risks associated with attending our events, including risks of personal injury, property damage, or other harm.
Code of Conduct: You agree to conduct yourself in a respectful, lawful manner at all events. You will not harass, threaten, or harm other attendees. You will comply with all venue rules and applicable laws. Violation of this code may result in removal from the event and exclusion from future events.
Photo and Video Release: By attending our events, you grant 618 Digital, Inc. permission to photograph and record video of you at the event and to use your likeness in photographs and videos for promotional, editorial, advertising, and other purposes, including on our websites, social media, newsletters, and marketing materials, without compensation. If you do not consent to being photographed or recorded, you must notify event staff upon arrival.
Third-Party Venues: Our events may be held at third-party venues. We are not responsible for the actions, policies, or conditions of third-party venues. You may be subject to the venue's own terms, conditions, and rules.
Event Changes and Cancellations: We reserve the right to modify, postpone, or cancel events at any time. In the event of cancellation, we will make reasonable efforts to provide refunds for paid events, but we are not responsible for any other costs or damages you may incur.
Event tickets, if applicable, are subject to the specific terms presented at the time of purchase. Tickets may be non-refundable, non-transferable, or subject to other restrictions as specified.
The Services and their contents, including but not limited to text, articles, graphics, logos, images, photographs, videos, software, and the selection and arrangement thereof ("Our Content"), are owned by 618 Digital, Inc. or our licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
You may access and use Our Content for personal, non-commercial purposes only. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store, or transmit Our Content, except as permitted by these Terms or with our prior written consent.
"GraniteCitizen," "IL Sider," "IL Side," "618 Digital," and associated logos are trademarks of 618 Digital, Inc. You may not use our trademarks without our prior written permission.
If you believe that content on our Services infringes your copyright, please contact us at [email protected] with the following information:
A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
A description of where the allegedly infringing material is located on our Services
Your contact information
A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized
A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the owner's behalf
Your physical or electronic signature
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE SERVICES OR THE SERVERS THAT MAKE THEM AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.
WE DO NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY CONTENT ON THE SERVICES, INCLUDING USER CONTENT, BUSINESS DIRECTORY LISTINGS, OR EVENT INFORMATION. ANY RELIANCE ON SUCH CONTENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES OF THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING ADVERTISERS, BUSINESS DIRECTORY LISTINGS, OR LINKED WEBSITES.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL 618 DIGITAL, INC., ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH:
YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE) THE SERVICES
ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE SERVICES
ANY CONTENT OBTAINED FROM THE SERVICES
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, USE, OR ALTERATION OF YOUR TRANSMISSIONS OR CONTENT
YOUR ATTENDANCE AT ANY EVENT ORGANIZED BY US
WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STATUTE, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNTS YOU HAVE PAID TO US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CLAIM, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100).
SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES OR DAMAGES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY TO YOU, SOME OR ALL OF THE ABOVE DISCLAIMERS, EXCLUSIONS, OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY, AND YOU MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL RIGHTS.
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless 618 Digital, Inc. and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:
Your access to or use of the Services
Your User Content
Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of any third-party right, including intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights
Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
Your attendance at or participation in any event organized by us
Any claim that your User Content caused damage to a third party
These Terms and any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Before filing any legal claim, you agree to contact us at [email protected] and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least thirty (30) days.
Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Madison County, Illinois, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AND 618 DIGITAL, INC. AGREE THAT ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES WILL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT AS PART OF ANY CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION.
We may modify these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on the Services with a new "Effective Date." Your continued use of the Services after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.
For material changes, we may provide additional notice, such as an email to registered users or a prominent notice on the Services. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other agreements expressly referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and 618 Digital, Inc. regarding the Services.
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.
You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.
These Terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights.
The following sections shall survive termination of these Terms: User-Generated Content (License to Us), Intellectual Property, Disclaimer of Warranties, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Dispute Resolution, and General Provisions.
Questions about these Terms should be directed to:
618 Digital, Inc.
Michael Halbrook PO Box 43 Granite City, IL 62040
Email: [email protected]
These Terms of Service were last updated on January 23, 2026.