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Information and Privacy Policy Will VIN share your information with others?
Will VIN share your information with others? No. Maintaining the security of the personal information of its members is essential to VIN. Keeping accurate member information helps us to provide you with our best service. Be assured that the information you provide VIN, in your application and within the MyVIN feature, is for administrative and fellow member use only. You can use MyVIN to provide the VIN Staff with your current contact information and to control what information is available to fellow VIN members. We take great pride in keeping VIN exclusive to members only. To that end, we ask an additional security question each time you enter the VIN site. By using information that is well known to you, but not commonly shared publicly, we hope that this added step will be uncomplicated, yet provide the security that the VIN Community desires. VIN does not sell or give out member information to any outside companies or sources without your permission. In summary, it is very important to VIN and all VIN members that your information is protected. So we ask that all VIN members use common sense and professional discretion when discussing or sharing VIN Community or VIN Hosted information with individuals who are not a part of the VIN Community. As such, it is a violation of VIN's privacy policies to share your individual login information with ANY INDIVIDUAL. This policy may change without notice in accordance with VIN Community Governance Policies. What types of Information are there on VIN? There are 2 types of Information on VIN (other than personal, confidential member information): Posting Material on VIN (copyright rules) You may post material on VIN only if you are the copyright owner of such material, you have permission from the copyright owner, the material is in the public domain, or the material falls within the “fair use” doctrine or some statutory exception.
What types of Information are there on VIN?
Posting Material on VIN (copyright rules)
Can I share information I find on VIN with others?
Sharing VIN Community Information with non-VIN colleagues
Sharing VIN Community Information with any non-veterinarian or a larger group of veterinarians
Sharing VIN-Hosted Information with non-VIN colleagues
Sharing VIN-Hosted Information with any non-veterinarian or a larger group of veterinarians
VIN Community Information is any information generated within VIN or VIN CE courses that involves message board postings, rounds discussions, VIN member submitted forms and collections or any other content that was generated through interactions on VIN or for VIN by a member of the VIN Community. VIN-Hosted Information is any information published on VIN that was generated by others. This may include conference proceedings, full-text articles and works. These items will be identified by being copyright to VIN and/or another organization/individual.
Can I share information I find on VIN with others?
If appropriate and you take certain precautions -- read on...
VIN is about you, it is your Community, so using what you learn on VIN in other situations is more than appropriate IF you take the following precautions to protect the VIN Community.
Sharing VIN Community Information with non-VIN colleagues
Sometimes, you might find it helpful in discussions with colleagues, to share VIN Community Information. It is important that these colleagues agree to not share or reproduce the information with others. You may do so without permission from VIN.
However, please do so with discretion and consideration for how you would want others to share information you post on VIN.
Sharing VIN Community Information with any non-veterinarian or a larger group of veterinarians
There are several steps for sharing with non-vets or large veterinary groups (e.g. listserves, conferences).
For message board discussions:
Post a request in the discussion to enable VIN members to request that they not be quoted or to argue against sharing this discussion outside the VIN Community.
e-mail Paul@vin.com or call the office (1-800-700-4636) and ask for permission and instructions on how the information should be presented and referenced.
For all other VIN Community Information, please e-mail Paul@vin.com or call the office and ask for permission and instructions on how the information should be presented and referenced. Please see the FAQ on citing digital information for more details. VIN Medical FAQs have additional information about sharing content.
Sharing VIN-Hosted Information with non-VIN colleagues
Remember, VIN-Hosted Information is copyrighted by the organization that produced it. Use common sense and discretion; generally, it is acceptable to share a paragraph or article or proceedings chapter; it is not acceptable to print out an entire book or proceedings.
Be sure to include all source and copyright information in the reproduced material.
You may do so without permission from VIN.
Sharing VIN-Hosted Information with any non-veterinarian or a larger group of veterinarians
If you wish to share VIN-Hosted with non-vets or large veterinary groups (e.g. listserves, conferences), e-mail Feedback@vin.com or call the VIN office at 800-700-4636.
If the request is reasonable and appropriate, VIN will make all reasonable efforts to acquire the permissions or direct you to the original source for permission. Remember, copyright for this information belongs to the group or organization that generated it.
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Membership Pricing |
What are membership rates for Individual Members?
What are membership rates for Group Members?
What are membership rates for Recent Graduates?
What are membership rates for Academic Members?
What membership renewal options are available?
How can I save on VIN membership costs?
What are membership rates for Individual Members?
What are membership rates for Group Members?
2 Associates: $82.50/month or $1,020/annual
3-5 Associates: $110/month or $1,360/annual
6 or More Associates: Please contact membership services at 800.700.4636 or VINGRAM@vin.com.
Associates qualify for group membership when they work at the same clinic or multiple clinics owned by one person or corporation. There are no "hospital accounts" on VIN. Each person accessing VIN should do so with their own secure information (their own account). We "group" personal accounts together to form group memberships.
What are membership rates for Recent Graduates?
1st Year after earning a veterinary degree: Save 70%: $16.50/month or $204/annual
2nd Year after earning a veterinary degree: Save 40%: $33/month or $408/annual
What are membership rates for Academic Members?
Veterinary students, interns, residents, faculty, and staff of accredited US, Canadian, and Caribbean veterinary universities receive VIN membership for free when they sign up using a school provided e-mail address. Students, interns, residents and faculty from other veterinary schools should contact VIN for membership access (vingram@vin.com). See "Academic Membership Policy" FAQ for more information.
What membership renewal options are available?
Credit Card (Automatic Auto-Renew)
Monthly
Annual
Annual in Three Installments*
Invoice
Annual
Annual in Three Installments*
Annual Renew Discounts (Annual memberships only): Save when you choose an Annual membership paid by credit card and set to Auto-renew.
The following are the savings off the regular yearly membership rate:
$30 off single yearly membership ($650)
$45 off 2 member group yearly membership ($975)
$60 off 3-5 member group yearly membership ($1300)
* Three Installment Option: processed every two months for the first six months of the membership year (a nominal surcharge is applied).
VIN accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
How can I save on VIN membership costs?
1. Auto-renew your membership either monthly or yearly. The fewer transactions VIN has to make, and the less we have to do to have you renew your VIN membership the cheaper it becomes. Thus, a yearly auto-renewal option saves you the most.
2. Get a group membership for your practice. If you have more than one veterinarian in your practice, you can get substantial reductions (see group memberships) for each member.
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Academic Membership |
What is necessary to obtain a complimentary VIN student membership?
What is necessary to obtain an intern membership?
What is necessary to obtain a resident or graduate student membership?
What is necessary to obtain an academic faculty membership?
What is necessary to obtain a non-practicing, non-accredited veterinary academic faculty or non-veterinary academic faculty membership?
What is necessary to obtain a complimentary VIN student membership?
Students enrolled in a recognized veterinary doctorate program (DVM, VMD, BVSc, etc) are eligible to apply for a complimentary VIN membership.
Required on Application:
What is necessary to obtain an intern membership?
We accept both University and Private Practice Interns.
University Interns: If you are pursuing an Internship at a recognized veterinary school, you are eligible for complimentary VIN membership, as long as you provide a University e-mail address (name@school.edu) and your expected program completion date (mm/yy).
Private Practice Interns: If you are pursuing your education at a private practice, at least one of the Veterinarians at the clinic must be a full paying member of VIN in order to "sponsor" your discounted membership*. The membership charge for a private practice intern is $50.00 U.S./program duration, payable by credit card.
*If you are the only veterinarian member online at your clinic, New Graduate membership rates (within the first 24 months of your graduation from veterinary school), or regular membership rates will apply.
What is necessary to obtain a resident or graduate student membership?
University Residents & Graduate Students: We provide complimentary access to Residents & Graduate Students with the hope that you will contribute to VIN's Community your experience and education. We encourage you to participate on the VIN message boards whenever you feel comfortable.
In order to be eligible to receive this free membership, we do need to have your valid university e-mail on file (name@university.edu), even if it is not your preferred e-mail address; your area of study and expected program completion date (mm/yy).
Private Practice Residents: continuing their veterinary education at a private practice are eligible for complimentary membership, as long as at least one other Veterinarian at the clinic is a full paying member of VIN - in order to "sponsor" the membership. If there are no other Veterinarians on VIN at your clinic, regular VIN membership rates will apply.
When your program is completed, should you wish to get more involved in the VIN Community, perhaps by joining our esteemed group of Consultants, please contact Dr. Paul Pion (paul@vin.com) for more information.
What is necessary to obtain an academic faculty membership?
Accredited Veterinary Schools:
All academic faculty at accredited Veterinary Schools receive complimentary VIN access with the hope that you will share your expertise with the VIN Community. All faculty are encouraged to participate in Message Board discussions, and are welcome to inquire about more formal VIN Consultant opportunities.
Remember: Please share VIN with your students! VIN is a great resource to help them stay at the top of their class. Just have them go to www.vin.com and register using the Student application form. It is free for them as long as they provide their university e-mail addresses, the name of the university they are attending, and their expected date of graduation (mm/yy) on their application.
VIN is also interested in helping faculty design and host courses using VIN resources. Please contact Dr. Paul Pion (paul@vin.com) for more information.
What is necessary to obtain a non-practicing, non-accredited veterinary academic faculty or non-veterinary academic faculty membership?
Please contact Dr. Paul Pion (paul@vin.com) to discuss membership.
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Commercialism on VIN |
Statement
VIN position on Industry
Rules for Industry People posting on the Medical Message Boards
Rules for quoting or using, in any way, information posted on VIN Medical Boards
VIN Industry Neutral Content
Statement
What you are about to read is an example of true DEMOCRACY on VIN. :) We have developed, within the staff and membership, a set of policies on Commercialism on the VIN Medical (Vet-To-Vet) Boards. We do not expect there will ever be a final version -- as we always remain open to evolution and input from any member of the Community.
Let me start by saying it is meant to be a loose definition of the MORES of the Community and is not in any way meant to inhibit interaction or interchange. Controversy is always embraced on VIN.
If you would like to comment on these guidelines, or suggest changes, please feel free to e-mail Paul@vin.com with your suggestions.
VIN position on Industry
One of the greatest features VIN provides is open discussion of products and services.
Overall, the veterinary industry, like the veterinary profession, is honorable and well meaning. However, a few situations have proven that geographic and temporal isolation can make the veterinary profession an easy target for individuals or companies with lower moral standards than the veterinary profession is used to.
For the first time in history the veterinary Community cannot be "divided and conquered" by individuals or a sales force that chooses to take advantage of veterinarians who they think are not in touch with each other.
On a more positive note, the majority of the industry and individuals have found, within VIN, a forum upon which they can put their best foot forward and make great inroads into bridging the gap toward being ONE PROFESSION, ONE COMMUNITY. A step that makes us all more powerful and effective.
As such, ongoing interaction between veterinarians and veterinary industry on VIN has proven to be a major asset for all concerned.
To date, the VIN Community has been excellent at self-policing itself in the proper conduct on the message boards. From 12 years of self-policing have arisen the following policies.
REMEMBER!!!
These policies are not intended to deter discussion or recommendation of products you believe in or think need improvement.
However, in fairness, it is suggested that we should not recommend them over products that are similar (service, etc.) without mentioning the other products and explaining why we prefer them.
If you are affiliated with a commercial interest, you may say whatever you like within your own folder in the Industry Message Boards. VIN has created these for . However, before posting on the general message boards (which we encourage you to do), ask yourself the following question:
"Am I providing an informed neutral response?"
Rules for Industry People posting on the Medical Message Boards
The intent of rules governing commercialism on the VIN boards is to protect the open, unbiased and frank nature of the COMMUNITY interactions.
1. Medical boards are not for commercialism. Commercialism is defined as promotion or sale of any non-generic service or product. Generic promotions, such as suggesting a low salt diet, are allowed. Suggesting a specific brand is not allowed, if you are affiliated with that brand. Stating a personal preference or aversion is certainly allowed from individuals not associated with any company that sells, markets, or distributes the product line.
2. Responses to specific queries by VIN members about specific products is permitted. Individuals associated with any company that sells, markets, or distributes a product line have much to offer in the way of information and, as members of the VIN Community, they are welcome to contribute this information/opinion to the interactions. However, the information must be generic and not brand name oriented. An exception in which specific brand name responses are generally acceptable is when responding to a specific question (about the brand) that was posted by an individual who is not associated with any company that sells, markets, or distributes the product line.
3. Products can be promoted ONLY in the Industry Folders. Anyone may purchase an industry folder and promote specific products in that forum. Please contact Paul@vin.com for more information.
4. The VIN Community is self-policing. This means that any VIN member has the right to question the appropriateness of a post from an industry-related member by:
a. Posting public concern in the VIN boards about a post in the folder in which it was posted. Such posts should be in an educational, not attacking, tone. The assumption should always be that the offending individual was not aware of the VIN rules of conduct. The goal of the response is to educate for the good of the Community, not alienate VIN members.
b. E-mailing the individual who posted the message, using text similar to that described above. To e-mail the individual, click his name on the message board or within his profile in the MyVIN Console. A copy of this e-mail should be sent to the VIN office (VINGRAM@vin.com). Alternatively, members can e-mail Dr. Paul D. Pion (Paul@vin.com) and request that the message be forwarded to the member, or that the issue addressed with the member.
Open discussion of the appropriateness of a post is preferred over 'closed-room' e-mail, so that the VIN Community may ultimately judge democratically what it would prefer as its rule.
5. Initial commercial posting will be dealt with politely and promptly. In judging the appropriateness of a 'commercial' post, no fear of personal or industrial retribution will be considered above the ethics of maintaining open Community and communication in the VIN boards. VIN assumes that the poster of commercial material is unaware of the VIN policy on Commercialism and will advise the poster accordingly. Repeated postings of a "commercial" nature will be dealt with by revoking posting privileges or membership.
6. Posters with a commercial interest should identify their affiliation. Anyone representing a commercial interest (personal or corporate) is expected to identify his affiliation when posting in the VIN medical boards on any subject directly or indirectly related to products in which he has a commercial interest. Ideally, it is best to include corporate or personal affiliation in your signature line, with full contact details of the commercial interest you represent.
7. No individual or company may solicit, without invitation, business from another VIN member -- by phone, US Mail, electronic mail, or open communication on the VIN boards -- as a result of anything read on the VIN boards.
a. The intent of this rule is not to inhibit VIN users from sharing and acquiring information that will assist them in product purchasing and hiring (employee or consultant) decisions. On the contrary, it is hoped that VIN interactions will stimulate healthy interchange and commerce for interested and consenting parties in the form of product sales, consulting arrangements, and employment opportunities.
b. The intent of this rule, and all rules governing commercialism on the VIN boards, is to protect the open nature of the Community interactions. As the origin of a sales lead is difficult to ascertain exactly, this policy will be enforceable only after a complaint has been filed. If VIN receives a complaint that an individual or company is soliciting uninvited business as a result of posts in the VIN boards (or 'mining' of the VIN boards for contacts), the steps followed will be as follows:
i. The offending individual will be contacted by phone, e-mail, or USMail by a representative of VIN.
ii. The offending individual will be made aware of VIN's desire to maintain "open Community" above all and that his actions endanger the safety of that Community to the VIN user and staff.
iii. The offending individual will be made aware of his rights as a VIN Community member to openly voice his concern with these policies and to contribute to the process of changing them in a manner which best serves the interests of the VIN Community.
iv. The offending individual will be made aware that the offense will be aired publicly on the VIN boards and that documentation of subsequent offenses (excluding any initiated prior to the current communication from VIN) will be deemed as appropriate grounds for expulsion and exclusion from the VIN Community.
8. It is the responsibility and right of every VIN member to question anything he reads on VIN. Nothing is off limits or sacred. The integrity of the information and interchange takes priority above all! However, the discussion will remain intellectual, reasoned and impersonal.
This is not to say that the information is guaranteed accurate. No one can guarantee the accuracy of medical information. What VIN can strive to guarantee is that information and opinion will be openly presented and that the VIN Community will self-police itself, requiring the thought process as well as the thought or alleged fact to be clearly stated. The ultimate legislative body, policing force, judge, and jury with domain over such policy is the VIN Community.
9. Inappropriate content or posts can be removed from open view. Decisions regarding removal of posts deemed inappropriate in content for VIN message boards will rest with the VIN Consulting Staff. Messages deemed inappropriate will be HIDDEN, not DELETED. The person posting the message will be notified and offered the opportunity to repost in a more appropriate manner, if he feels strongly that he wishes to send the message, in a manner in accord with VIN policies and the best interest of the VIN Community. The posting individual may also argue that the message is not inappropriate and, if successful in his appeal to the VIN Staff, the message can then be released again.
Rules for quoting or using, in any way, information posted on VIN Medical Boards
As stated above, it is against VIN's Community rules for anyone to contact another VIN member to promote any commercial interest as a result of reading them on VIN. This includes publishing comments from message board posts.
The rationale is that members need to feel safe posting -- and that their posting will not evoke commercial contacts.
At the same time, VIN and VIN members recognize that there are many occasions when colleagues and veterinary publications find information and quotes on VIN message boards that they would like to quote in newsletters, hospital documents, and veterinary publications.
It is our pleasure to work with all VIN members, industry or otherwise, to meet their needs. However, it must be recognized that once posted on VIN, the message board information is copyrighted to VIN.
In addition, it is VIN's policy to request the permission of VIN members before using their words in any other format.
Therefore, because VIN has to give copyright permission and because it is against VIN's policies for any VIN member to contact another VIN member for personal gain or commercial solicitation, it is essential that anyone desiring to reuse any content on VIN contact the VIN office (VINGRAM@vin.com) or Dr. Paul Pion (Paul@vin.com) to request use of content. We will do all we can to rapidly request permission to either reuse the content in original form or as edited by the posting member. Additional information about Information Sharing can be found in the Policy Document on Information Sharing and Privacy.
Without exception:
a. the posting member must not be contacted directly, without permission of the posting member, and
b. the content/quotes may not be used for any purpose (other than personal use or limited distribution to a few colleagues for noncommercial purposes), unless VIN grants explicit permission.
These policies are not intended to deter interaction. They have been created to allow VINners as much freedom as possible, while respecting their rights to privacy.
VIN Industry Neutral Content
Some VIN content comes from sources in Industry. This content is often of educational or informational value to VIN members. VIN is careful to avoid promotional or biased material from Industry. To guarantee this, when content is submitted by Industry sources, VIN Consultants or veterinarians in the field review the content to ensure it is balanced, informative, and "Industry Neutral". VIN will attach the "Industry Neutral" logo 
as a way of indicating our approval. However, if anybody feels that the content has been improperly assigned this status, please feel free to contact Paul (paul@vin.com) or Mark (mrishniw@vin.com).
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Membership Benefits |
Introduction
VIN members are entitled to several benefits as part of their membership. These include VIN Rewards, VIN Store and eVetsites discounts.
What is the purpose of the VIN Rewards Program?
Who is Eligible for VIN Rewards?
Who is NOT Eligible for VIN Rewards?
How Do I earn VIN Rewards Points?
How Much are My VIN Rewards Points Worth?
How Do I Find Out How Many VIN Rewards Points I Have?
How Do I Redeem my VIN Rewards Points?
How Do I Lose VIN Rewards Points?
What Else Should I Know about VIN Rewards (the fine print)?
What VIN Store benefits do I get?
What eVetsite benefits do I get?
What is the purpose of the VIN Rewards Program?
The VIN Rewards program was initiated to demonstrate commitment and appreciation to long-standing and loyal community members, rather than the usual practice of offering rewards to attract new members as we have all experienced in and outside the veterinary profession.
Who is Eligible for VIN Rewards?
VIN Rewards are earned for each fully paid month of membership.
Who is NOT Eligible for VIN Rewards?
Members who pay reduced rates (recent graduates, academics, etc.), are not eligible to earn VIN Rewards points. Only members or groups who pay non-discounted rates are eligible to earn VIN Rewards points.
How Do I earn VIN Rewards Points?
You earn one VIN Rewards point for each fully paid month of individual or group membership.
Note: Free time, such as previously redeemed VIN Rewards months and free trial periods do not count as fully paid months.
How Much are My VIN Rewards Points Worth?
VIN Rewards Points have NO CASH VALUE.
VIN Rewards Points can be redeemed in exchange for free months of VIN membership.
13 VIN Rewards Points earn one free month of VIN membership.
If you have a group membership, it's a little more complicated. VIN Rewards points earned by an individual who will serve as the Group Administrator can be converted to group membership VIN Rewards points as follows:
Please contact VIN Membership Services Team for larger group conversion information.
As a group grows in size, the value of the group's VIN rewards points will be prorated appropriately.
Note: VIN Rewards points belonging to individuals joining a group may not be converted to group membership VIN Rewards points BUT they DO NOT expire and CAN BE redeemed if the member leaves the group or the group disbands and the individual continues as an individual VIN member.
How Do I Find Out How Many VIN Rewards Points I Have?
Your total available points are printed on your receipt for membership charges.
Soon you will be able to check your VIN Rewards Points balance in MyVIN.
How Do I Redeem my VIN Rewards Points?
VIN Rewards points may be redeemed for FREE VIN Membership time.
13 VIN Rewards points earned as an individual may be redeemed for one FREE MONTH of VIN Membership time for that individual.
13 VIN Rewards points earned as a Group may be redeemed for one FREE MONTH of VIN Membership time for that group.
Individuals or groups may redeem VIN Rewards Points for a maximum of 2 FREE months of VIN Membership time per 12 consecutive calendar months.
Redeem your VIN Rewards by sending email to VINGRAM@vin.com or calling VIN membership services at 800-700-4636 or 530-756-4881.
When you email or call, we will wish to verify that we have your current contact information (address, phone, email, etc).
How Do I Lose VIN Rewards Points?
All VIN Rewards Points expire upon any interruption of your VIN Membership unless that interruption results from an error or miscommunication on the part of the VIN Membership Team.
Group VIN Rewards Points expire if the group disbands or changes administrators.
What Else Should I Know about VIN Rewards (the fine print)?
Free time, such as previously redeemed VIN Rewards months and free trial periods do not count as fully paid months.
VIN Reward Points CANNOT be traded, sold or in any way transferred between individuals or groups.
The VIN Rewards Program and Program Rules can be changed or canceled at any time without notice.
What VIN Store benefits do I get?
VIN Members receive 10-15% discounts on all items in the VIN Store, and also receive FREE SHIPPING on orders over $90.00 (ground shipping, continental USA only). More details are available at: https://store.vin.com/FAQs.htm
What eVetsite benefits do I get?
eVetsite is a VIN service company that creates and maintains practice websites. VIN Members receive a free 30 day trial period to create their own private web site with our eVetsite Online Builder. And VIN members save 33% off the normal low eVetsite monthly fee. More details are available at: http://www.evetsites.com/
VIN Members can find more information at http://www.vin.com/Members/eVetsite/GetSite.plx
Date Last Updated: 4/24/2008
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800.700.4636 | VINGRAM@vin.com | 530.756.4881 | Fax: 530.756.6035 777 West Covell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616 Copyright , Veterinary Information Network, Inc. |
