Terms of Service – MAK Cards Online

Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to MAK Cards Online! By using our service, you agree to these Terms of Service.

If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use the service.

We may update these Terms at any time. By continuing to use the service after changes are made, you agree to the new terms.

Service Description

MAK Cards Online is a web platform for working with metaphorical associative cards (MAC) in individual and group formats.

The service provides:

Infinite canvas for card layouts
Decks of metaphorical cards
Real-time collaboration (up to 150 participants)
Chat for participant communication
Notes (private, public, anonymous)
Room and environment selection
User-created card decks and rooms (user-generated content)
Game pieces: tokens and dice for transformational games
Collectible items: decorative objects purchasable with Pearls
Pearl Shop: purchase Pearl packages for in-platform currency
Persistent session saving (Premium/PRO users)
Public leaderboard page

The service is available through the following supported domains:

app.makcards.online
board.journalingapp.app

Sessions can be opened through either supported domain.

Right to Use

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to use the service for personal or professional purposes within the law.

You may:

Use the service without registration
Create sessions and invite participants
Work with cards and notes
Communicate with other participants via chat

You may NOT:

Use the service for illegal activities
Attempt to hack or disrupt the platform
Create automated scripts to abuse the service
Post malicious content, spam, or illegal material
Upload content that infringes third-party intellectual property rights, including scanned or photographed commercial products without the rights holder's permission
Copy, modify, or distribute parts of the service without permission
Use the service for mass mailing or DDoS attacks

Accounts and Devices

The service works without mandatory registration. On first visit, your browser generates cryptographic keys for device identification.

Optionally, you can authenticate via Google OAuth to:

Create a persistent account linked to your email
Link multiple devices to one account
Receive Premium subscription and achievement badges
View notification history across devices

Yandex OAuth is also supported on the Russian domain.

You agree to:

Provide accurate information during OAuth authentication
Maintain security of your OAuth provider account (we are not responsible for compromised OAuth accounts)
Not share your access keys with third parties
Notify us of any unauthorized access to your account
Not create multiple accounts to abuse promo codes or circumvent restrictions

User Content

Definition

"User Content" or "User-Generated Content" (UGC) means any content uploaded or created by users on the platform, including but not limited to: card images, deck covers, group backs, tiles, word card text, deck and group metadata, room backgrounds, notes, and chat messages.

Platform as Host

MAK Cards Online is a user-generated content platform. Users retain full ownership of all content they create and upload. The platform provides hosting and display services only. We do not claim ownership of User Content, do not endorse it, and do not verify its legality or accuracy. Each user is solely responsible for the content they upload.

Ownership

You retain all intellectual property rights to User Content you create and upload. Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of your content to us.

License to the Platform

You grant MAK Cards Online a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, store, display, reproduce, modify, and create derivative works of your User Content for technical processing purposes (including but not limited to resizing, compression, tiling, thumbnail generation, watermarking), and to publicly display and distribute your User Content to other users solely as necessary to operate the Service, including collaborative sessions and the public deck library. You also grant a sublicense to other users of the Service to view and use your public User Content within the Service.

This license terminates when you delete your content or account, except for: (a) copies required for legal compliance or dispute resolution; (b) technical backups retained for a limited period per our data retention policy; (c) copies already distributed to other users' sessions prior to deletion, which remain available until those sessions end.

Representations and Warranties

By uploading or publishing content on the platform, you represent and warrant that:

(a) You are the original creator of all images, text, and other materials included in this content, or you have obtained all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions from the rights holder(s) to upload, digitally reproduce, and distribute this content through MAK Cards Online;
(b) This content does not infringe any copyright, trademark, trade secret, right of publicity, or other intellectual property or proprietary right of any third party;
(c) This content does not include materials obtained by scanning, photographing, or otherwise reproducing commercial products (including but not limited to card decks, game boards, artwork, or illustrations) without express written permission from the rights holder. Purchasing a physical product does not grant the right to create or distribute digital copies;
(d) You understand that submitting content that infringes third-party rights may result in removal of your content, suspension or termination of your account, and potential legal liability;
(e) You agree to indemnify and hold harmless MAK Cards Online, its operators, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your violation of these representations.

Disclaimer

We do not pre-screen, verify, or endorse User Content. We are not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or appropriateness of any User Content. Use of User Content is at your own risk.

Content Moderation

We do not moderate content in real-time. However:

Team members (moderators) may review reported content and user-generated decks submitted for publication
We process intellectual property claims in accordance with our Copyright Policy
We reserve the right to remove or disable access to content violating these Terms, applicable law, or third-party rights
Repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination (see Repeat Infringer Policy in our Copyright Policy)

Intellectual Property

Platform IP

All rights to the platform, its design, source code, built-in card decks, and other proprietary materials belong to the service owners or respective rights holders. Downloading, copying, or distributing platform materials outside the service is prohibited without explicit permission.

User IP

Users retain full ownership of their User Content as described in the "User Content" section above. The platform does not claim any intellectual property rights over User Content beyond the license granted to operate the Service.

IP Claims

If you believe that content on our platform infringes your intellectual property rights, please refer to our Copyright Policy for instructions on filing a Formal Copyright Notice. You may also contact us at copyright@journalingapp.app.

Intellectual Property Claims

MAK Cards Online respects intellectual property rights and expects users to do the same. We respond to notices of alleged copyright infringement in accordance with the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA §512), the EU Digital Services Act (DSA Art. 16), and Russian Federal Law 149-FZ Art. 15.7.

Filing a Notice

If you believe your copyrighted work has been used on our platform without authorization, you may submit a Formal Copyright Notice. Your notice must include identification of the copyrighted work, the infringing URL, a statement of good faith belief, a statement under penalty of perjury, and your electronic signature. Full requirements are detailed in our Copyright Policy.

Contact:

Email: copyright@journalingapp.app
In-app: Use the "Report" button on any deck and select "I am the rights holder" to file a notice directly

Processing Timeline

We acknowledge receipt of valid notices within 1 hour and disable access to infringing content within 24 hours of receiving a valid notice.

Counter-Notification

If your content was removed and you believe the removal was in error, you may file a counter-notification. If the original complainant does not file a court action within 10–14 business days, we will restore the content. Details are in our Copyright Policy.

Repeat Infringer Policy

In accordance with DMCA §512(i), we have adopted and reasonably implement a policy for terminating accounts of repeat infringers:

1st strike: Content disabled, warning notification
2nd strike: Content disabled, account restricted (upload/publish disabled for 30 days)
3rd strike: Account terminated, all user content disabled

Strikes may be provisional (pending counter-notification) or final. Provisional strikes that are successfully counter-notified are reversed and do not count toward the threshold. Final strikes expire after 12 months of clean history. Full details are in our Copyright Policy.

Premium Subscriptions

Premium subscriptions provide enhanced features and may be granted via promo codes or purchased with Pearls (in-platform currency).

Premium benefits may include:

Custom deck and room editors with extended content slots
Access to exclusive premium decks and rooms
Higher usage limits
Priority support
Persistent session saving (up to 20 saved sessions)

Terms:

Premium subscriptions are time-limited (expiration date specified when granted)
No automatic renewal
Promo code activations are generally final and non-refundable, except where reversal or refund is required by applicable law or to correct an obvious error
Pearl purchases for Premium are generally final and non-refundable, except where refund is required by applicable law. Pearl balance is not convertible to cash.
We may modify Premium features for valid reasons, including security, legal compliance, abuse prevention, or service changes, with at least 30 days' notice where reasonably practicable
Premium does not exempt you from these Terms or usage limits for abuse
Termination of your account forfeits remaining Premium time except where refund or credit is required by applicable law

Achievement Badges

Achievement badges are special statuses granted by platform administrators to recognize contributions or expertise.

Badge types:

Team (MOD): Moderator status with access to moderation tools
PRO: Verified professional (psychologist, coach, facilitator)
Contributor: Content creator or platform contributor

You agree that:

Achievements are granted at our sole discretion
Team members must follow the Moderator Code of Conduct
We may revoke achievements for violations or inactivity
Achievement badges are public and visible to all users
Achievements do not create employment or partnership relationship

Promo Codes

Promo codes grant Premium subscriptions, achievement badges, or Pearls (in-platform currency).

Rules:

Promo codes may be single-use (first activation only) or user-specific (tied to your email)
Codes may have expiration dates
You may activate only one promo code per benefit type (e.g., one Premium code)
Sharing user-specific codes with others is prohibited
Codes obtained fraudulently or through violations will be voided
We reserve the right to void codes and revoke benefits if fraud is detected
Promo codes have no cash value and are non-transferable
Activations are generally final and cannot be reversed, except where reversal is required by applicable law or to correct an obvious error

Pearls (In-Platform Currency)

Pearls are a virtual currency used within the platform for purchasing Premium subscriptions, collectible items, and deck invite codes.

Purchases made through the Pearl Shop may also be subject to separate purchase-specific terms shown at checkout or published on the relevant storefront page. In the event of a conflict on order flow, payment collection, or refunds, those purchase-specific terms govern that transaction.

Key terms:

Pearls have no cash value and cannot be withdrawn, exchanged for real money, or transferred between accounts
Pearl purchases are generally final and non-refundable, except where refund is required by applicable law
We may modify Pearl pricing for valid reasons, including legal, tax, security, anti-fraud, or product changes, with at least 30 days' notice where reasonably practicable
Pearls may be earned through promo codes, Deck Pledge rewards, or purchased in the Pearl Shop
Termination of your account forfeits remaining Pearl balance except where refund or other treatment is required by applicable law
We reserve the right to void Pearls obtained through fraud or abuse

Collectible Items

Collectible items (e.g., Zen Stones, Bloom) are virtual decorative objects purchased with Pearls:

Items are stored in your inventory and can be placed on the canvas during sessions
Items can be gifted to session hosts. Gifted items cannot be re-gifted – only purchased items may be gifted
Item purchases are generally final and non-refundable, except where refund is required by applicable law
We may modify the item catalog and pricing for valid reasons, including security, technical, legal, or product changes

Deck Invite Codes

Authors can generate invite codes to grant access to their decks:

Invite code generation costs Pearls (based on deck size and invite type)
Codes may be private (email-locked) or public (for open sessions)
Generated codes are generally non-refundable, except where refund is required by applicable law
Deck must contain at least 35 cards to generate invite codes

Deck Pledge

Authors may pledge their decks to earn Pearls (10 Pearls per card):

Pledging locks the deck from editing and deletion
Unpledging deducts the earned Pearls from your balance
If your Pearl balance is insufficient, unpledging is not possible

Moderation

Users with the Team (MOD) achievement serve as volunteer moderators.

Moderator powers:

Create and check promo codes
Send in-app notifications to users
View user profiles (email, Premium status, achievements)
Review user-generated content submitted for publication
Process intellectual property claims and issue Statements of Reasons

Moderators must:

Act in good faith and respect user privacy
Not abuse moderation tools for personal gain
Not share confidential user information
Follow platform guidelines and applicable law

We reserve the right to:

Revoke Team achievement for abuse or misconduct
Review and audit all moderator actions
Remove content or take actions independent of moderators

Moderators are not employees and volunteer without compensation.

Notifications

We may send in-app notifications about:

Promo code activations
Premium subscription status changes
Achievement awards
Important system announcements
Service updates

Notifications are delivered only within the app. We do not send marketing emails or SMS without your explicit consent.

You can view and delete notifications in your profile.

Leaderboard

The platform features a public leaderboard page displaying top users by various metrics (gifts received, decks created, rooms created, invites accepted).

By using the service, you agree that:

Your display name, masked email (first 2 characters + domain), and avatar (if not hidden) may appear on the public leaderboard
Your achievement badges (PRO, Contributor) and Premium status may be displayed
The Team (MOD) badge is not shown on the leaderboard
You can control avatar visibility in your profile settings

Usage Limits

We apply rate limiting to protect against abuse:

Chat: up to 10 messages per minute
API: up to 60 requests per minute
WebSocket: up to 60 events per minute

Exceeding limits may result in temporary access restrictions. Systematic violations may lead to device blocking.

Termination of Access

We reserve the right to:

Terminate or suspend your access to the service for breach of these Terms, abuse, security risks, legal compliance, or other legitimate operational reasons, with or without prior notice depending on the circumstances
Delete sessions violating these Terms
Block devices or accounts used for abuse
Terminate accounts of repeat intellectual property infringers in accordance with our Repeat Infringer Policy
Revoke Premium subscriptions and achievement badges

Upon termination:

Your access to the service ends immediately
Remaining Premium time is forfeited except where refund or credit is required by applicable law
Achievement badges are revoked
Account data may be deleted (subject to legal retention requirements)

You may stop using the service at any time by deleting browser data or requesting account deletion.

Disclaimer of Warranties

The service is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without any warranties.

Nothing in these Terms excludes warranties, conditions, or rights that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.

We do not guarantee:

Uninterrupted service operation
Absence of errors or vulnerabilities
Data preservation during technical failures
Service availability at all times

We are not responsible for:

Data loss due to technical problems
Actions of other session participants
Internet or third-party service interruptions

Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, or for loss of profits, revenue, goodwill, or data, arising from use or inability to use the service.

This limitation does not apply to liability for fraud, wilful misconduct, gross negligence, death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that applicable law does not allow us to exclude or limit.

This includes, for example:

Loss of data, profits, or reputation
Harm or loss resulting from decisions or actions taken by users during or after sessions
Damage from other users' actions

Indemnification

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless MAK Cards Online, its operator, affiliates, contractors, moderators, and agents against third-party claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to:

Your User Content, including any claims that it infringes or misappropriates third-party intellectual property or other rights
Your material violation of these Terms of Service
Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
Your breach of the representations and warranties set forth in the "User Content" section

Professional Responsibility

If you use the service as a psychologist, coach, or other professional, you are solely responsible for the quality and ethics of services provided.

The service is a tool, not a substitute for professional help. We are not responsible for session outcomes or decisions made by participants.

Third Parties

The service may contain links to third-party resources or use third-party services (e.g., Google OAuth, Cloudflare).

We are not responsible for the privacy policies, content, or availability of third-party services.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Russian Federation, except that mandatory consumer protection laws of your country of residence remain applicable to the extent they cannot be waived by contract.

Before filing a formal claim, please contact us so we can try to resolve the dispute informally. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, it may be brought before the competent court or authority under applicable law.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time for reasons such as legal, security, operational, or product changes. We will post changes on this page and update the "Last updated" date.

For material changes, we will notify you through the platform interface or on the relevant public page.

Material changes take effect no earlier than the date stated in the notice, unless an earlier change is required for legal or security reasons. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the service before the updated Terms take effect. Continued use after the effective date means you accept the updated Terms.

Contact

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, contact us:

Service operator: Dmitry Vadimovich Petrakov

Email: support@journalingapp.app