Terms of Use, Privacy Policies - where to get them?

[bushido]

Hi all,

I am currently working on a small free social networking site, functions of the site include:
1. making friends
2. posting articles
3. create user profile
4. post photos and videos
and i am currently located in new york state. Can someone please tell me how I should prepare the terms of use/services and privacy policies? I saw some legal document available for purchase online (some of them less than $50) but not sure if they are good and how to choose the best. I was thinking about hiring a lawyer but that will cost me a fortune...how are you guys handling legal issues like that for your sites?

Thank you for your help.

[toplisek]

I used to find [creativecommons.org...] but actually do not have any experience. Maybe some guys on forum know this URL.

[Marcia]

If you do some searches, there are some free boilerplate privacy policies to be found. For TOS, don't plagiarize but it's a good idea to surf some at existing sites similar to what you're planning and take notes on items they have that are suited to your needs. Also, some items and requirements may be country specific related to where you'll be based - like data retention policies, for one.