Preamble
Steffen Knoedler, Rothschildallee 41 - 60389 Frankfurt am Main - Germany, („Provider“) provides PublicCommit and related services. Related services may include the creation of a user account, use of features, in-app purchases, as well as other services.
The participants are referred to as “Users”.
§ 1 Scope
1.1 The provider offers services in connection with PublicCommit exclusively on the basis of this Terms of Service (“TOS”).
1.2 The rules and guidelines for using PublicCommit are published on the website and in the application in the applicable, current version. The User accepts these rules by using PublicCommit.
1.3. This TOS does not apply to services of third persons, including the connection to the internet.
§ 2 Details of the services
2.1 The Provider enables the Users to use PublicCommit and the related additional services within the existing technical and operational framework.
2.2 The Provider makes PublicCommit available as a web application accessible through standard web browsers on desktop and mobile devices.
2.3 It is the User's responsibility to set or maintain their device in a condition that enables the use of PublicCommit. This includes in particular ensuring that the device is connected to the internet and fulfills the minimum system requirements.
2.4 PublicCommit may be used with basic functionality free of charge. The Provider may offer premium features through subscription plans or one-time purchases. Payments are processed through Stripe. All fees are exclusive of VAT or any other taxes that may be applicable in your jurisdiction. For subscription plans, unless you cancel before the end of the subscription period, the subscription will automatically renew and you authorize the Provider to charge the subscription fee to your payment method on file. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time through your account settings. The User has the right to cancel at any time.
2.5 PublicCommit may be continuously updated, modified and further developed. The right to participate only applies to the respective current version. The Provider reserves the right to restrict, change or cease the operation at any time without giving any reasons. In case of termination of the operation, the User can reclaim rendered payments. The right of the User to immediately terminate the contract remains unaffected. Further claims of the User are excluded, unless explicitly stated otherwise within this TOS.
§ 3 User
3.1 PublicCommit is exclusively offered to consumers in terms of Sec. 13 BGB.
3.2 Only persons above the age of 18 or minors with parental consent - or consent of their legal representatives are entitled to use PublicCommit.
3.3 By registering, the User confirms his or her majority and legal competence, respectively in case of minority, the consent of their legal representative. The Provider is entitled to request a verification of the majority, respectively the declaration of consent in written form any time.
§ 4 Registration and conclusion of the contract
4.1 The use of PublicCommit requires creating an account. Registration can be completed on the website. To complete registration, Users must read and confirm this TOS.
4.2 For registration, the User must provide required information including a valid email address and password. All data provided must be complete, correct and valid. The email address provided must be current and valid, and the User must be able to receive emails at that address.
4.3 By submitting the registration form, the User makes an offer to the Provider to enter into a usage contract. A contract is concluded upon acceptance by the Provider, which may be explicit or implied by providing access to the account. There is no entitlement to create an account or use PublicCommit.
4.4. Every User may only use his own Account for use of PublicCommit. The creation of multiple Accounts by one User is forbidden. A violation of this rule entitles the Provider to terminate the contract with immediate effect (see paragraph 9.4).
4.5 Within the registration the User may choose his or her username. The choice of a username with pornographic, racist, sexist, hatred-inciting, war or violence glorification, offending or other unlawful content is forbidden. A violation entitles the Provider to immediately block the Account.
4.6 The User may not transfer his/her Account to third parties without prior written consent of the Provider.
§ 5 Right of Withdrawal
5.1 Withdrawal Policy
You have the right to withdraw from this contract without statement of any reasons within fourteen days.
The withdrawal period is fourteen days from the date of conclusion of the contract.
In order to exercise your right of withdrawal, you must contact me by email: steffen.knoedler@outlook.com and inform me by means of an express declaration of your decision to withdraw from this contract.
For adherence to the withdrawal period it is sufficient that you send the notification regarding your exercising of your right of withdrawal prior to the expiry of the withdrawal period.
Consequences of Withdrawal
In the event that you should withdraw from this contract, we shall return all payments that we have received from you immediately and no later than fourteen days from the date that we receive your notification of withdrawal of this contract. For this refund we shall utilize the same payment method that you used for the original transaction, unless any deviating method is expressly agreed with you; in no case will you be charged fees to process this refund.
5.2 Special Notes:
The right of withdrawal shall expire prematurely in the case of contracts for the delivery of digital content that is not stored on a physical data carrier, if the Provider has begun performance with the User's prior express consent and acknowledgment that the User loses the right of withdrawal by commencement of performance.
§ 6 Terms of use
6.1 PublicCommit is provided to the Users only within the contractual scope.
6.2 The User is not authorized to use software, measures or mechanics in connection with PublicCommit, that can disturb or modify the functionality or the course. The User may not carry out measures that lead to an unacceptable or excessive load of the technical capacities of the Provider. Especially, it is not allowed to block, overwrite or modify Provider generated content, unless the Provider declares his prior consent in written form.
6.3 The User is not authorized to add elements to the software or to modify or delete elements of the software in any way, unless he is authorized explicitly by the Provider in written form. In particular, the User is not authorized to copy, extract or use graphical elements or to decompile the source code.
6.4 The use serves the purpose of financial commitment and goal tracking only. The User is not permitted to use PublicCommit for commercial or illegal purposes.
6.5 The User is not allowed to execute, use or apply soft- or hardware based applications of third parties which modify or influence the course or which causes the User to receive benefits that are usually charged. In particular, the User is not allowed to procure chargeable or other benefits by usage of third- party software or other applications (esp. “bots”, “hacks” or “cheats”).
6.7 Furthermore, the User is obliged to observe the legal regulations, in particular not to divulge pornographic, racist, sexist, offending, glorification of war or violence or other unlawful content, as well as content that is capable of violating the rights of third persons. Also, commercial advertising is forbidden. The User commits him- or herself not to use legally protected terms, names, pictures, video, music or other material in unauthorized manner. The provider may delete such content.
§ 7 Payment
7.1 The Provider may offer various features and services, including free basic functionality and optional paid features or subscriptions. The Provider reserves the right to add, modify, or discontinue features, and to adjust pricing for new purchases or subscriptions.
7.2 Payments related to commitment enforcement: When you create a commitment with financial stakes, you explicitly authorize PublicCommit to charge the specified amount to your payment method on file if you fail to meet the commitment according to the terms you set. These charges are processed through Stripe. You acknowledge that these charges are the consequence of not meeting self-imposed commitments and are not refundable except in cases of technical error.
7.3 Subscription payments (if applicable): Subscription fees for premium features are charged according to the billing cycle you select (monthly or annually). Payments are automatically processed through Stripe using your payment method on file. You must maintain a valid payment method to continue using subscription features.
7.3 The Provider may adjust pricing for subscriptions and paid features with reasonable advance notice. Price changes will apply to new purchases and subscription renewals after the notice period.
7.4 If the User is in delay with payments, the Provider is entitled to claim statutory interest for the delay. In this case, the Provider is entitled to cease the services and to block the Account immediately.
7.5 The User has to bear the costs for reversal debits and/or cancellation fees caused by his or her fault. The Provider is entitled to debit these costs in addition to the original fee. If the payment is processed via direct debit or credit card payment and the payment is charged back, the Provider charges a service fee of EUR 9.00 per debit/credit card transaction plus banking fees. The User is entitled to proof that no or substantially lower damage is suffered.
§ 8 Obligations
8.1 Principal obligation of the User is the payment of possibly incurring charges. Another principal obligation of the User is the obligation to correct and complete submission of data which the Provider requests rightfully upon entering the contract or in course of the contractual relationship. Therefore, the User declares that the information relating to him or her is complete, adequate and correct. That applies also to other contractually relevant circumstances (especially banking account and credit card number).
The User will inform the Provider promptly on changes of the data and will confirm the data upon request of the Provider.
8.2 The User is obligated to obey instructions of the Provider or his employees, as well as of his vicarious agents. This applies in particular for instructions of administrators and moderators.
8.3 Users are responsible for their use of PublicCommit, including the commitments they create and the financial stakes they assign to those commitments. When using sharing and accountability features, Users must respect the privacy and preferences of others. Users are prohibited from using PublicCommit to harass others, share inappropriate content, or engage in any unlawful activities. Users must not create commitments or share content that is unlawful, infringes third-party rights, or contains racist, sexist, violent, or otherwise harmful material.
8.4 In case of violations of paragraph 8.3, the Provider itself is entitled to delete the information posted by the User in violation of these obligations. The Provider is entitled in particular to delete uploaded information, if concrete indications for a violation of this TOS or the uploaded information is otherwise unlawful.
8.5 In case of an infringement by the User the Provider is entitled to suspend the User’s access to his Account temporarily or permanently and exclude him from PublicCommit after prior notice and under the threat of suspension. A prior notice with the threat of suspension is not necessary if special circumstances justify the immediate suspension of the Account by weighting the interests of the Provider and the User. The Provider informs the User about the reasons for conducting the blocking. The same applies in the case of an abusive use of credit cards, use of improper credit card information as well as submission of incorrect data in the case of direct debit. The suspension of access includes the right to immediately delete all data and information related to the excluded User. The Provider explicitly reserves the right to enforce further claims, especially claims for damage compensation.
8.6 If access is suspended, the Provider refunds previously paid charges proportionally. In case of a legitimate suspension of access, the Provider is entitled to charge a fee of EUR 10.00. The User is entitled to proof that no or substantially lower damage is suffered.
8.7 The Provider is not obliged to restore deleted information.
8.8 The Users will keep all Account data, needed for participation (login data, passwords, etc.), strictly confidential and will not disclose this information to third parties, except the Provider has declared prior consent to the transfer of the Account in written form. The Users are obliged not to use the Account, the Account name or the password of another User without authorization under any circumstances. If a third party uses an Account after he has come into possession of the login data because the User has not sufficiently protected the access data, such access shall be considered as an access by the User him- or herself.
8.9 The Users are obliged to inform the Provider promptly, as soon as they gain knowledge of third persons, obtaining knowledge of their login data. Passwords have to be changed regularly for security purposes. Furthermore, the Users are obliged to inform the Provider, as soon as they gain knowledge of abusive use of the offered services by third parties or other Users.
8.10 In case of a reasonable suspicion of unauthorized knowledge of login data by a third party, the Provider is entitled, but not obliged, to change the login data within his sole discretion or to suspend the usage of the Account for security purposes. The Provider will promptly inform the rightful User and will, upon request, communicate new login data within reasonable time. The User can not claim for restoration of his initial login data.
8.11 The systems are protected against virus attacks by the Provider. However, a virus infection can never be excluded entirely. Furthermore, unauthorized third parties may send e-mails in the name of the Provider without its consent. These e-mails may contain viruses, so-called spyware or link to web-content containing viruses or spyware. Provider does not have any influence on such e-mails. Therefore, Users should inspect all incoming e-mails that have been sent in the name of the Provider. This also applies to e-mails of other Users.
8.12 The Provider is not liable for possible damages or data loss on the device of the User, caused by the installation of software, not originating from the Provider.
8.13 The Provider will generally communicate with the Users via e-mail unless otherwise set out in this TOS or in other agreements. Therefore, the Users have to ensure that they can be contacted via the e-mail address submitted during the registration or later. This has to be ensured, inter alia, by selecting the correct preferences of the spam filter and checking the e-mail account regularly. The Provider reserves the right to choose a different form of communication.
8.14 The Users are not entitled to assign the contractual rights to third persons.
§ 9 Term and Termination
9.1 The contracts between the User and the Provider are concluded for an indefinite term, unless otherwise stated in the offer.
9.2 Each party has the right to terminate the contract any time with immediate effect without cause.
9.3 The right of the parties to terminate the contract for good cause shall remain unaffected by the preceding regulations. The Provider is entitled to terminate the contract for good cause, including, but not limited to, for the following reasons:
a. The User is in delay with payment of at least EUR 10.00 despite having been reminded two times.
b. The User has not used his Account for a time period of three months despite a reminder.
c. The Provider loses the permission to operate PublicCommit.
9.4 In case of severe violations, generally, termination with immediate effect is possible without prior notice. A severe violation is given if it would be unreasonable that the Provider remains bound by the contract. Generally, it would be unreasonable for the Provider to remain bound by the contract in the following cases:
a. The User violates criminal law.
b. The User violates the prohibition of multiple Accounts (see sec. 4, paragraph 4.4).
c. The User violates the prohibition of transfer of Accounts (see sec. 4, paragraph 4.6).
d. The User uses PublicCommit in a prohibited manner (see sec. 6).
e. The User submits incorrect information upon registration (see sec. 4) or within the payment process for chargeable services (see sec. 7).
f. The User attempts to manipulate the commitment system, processes payments fraudulently, or uses PublicCommit for purposes other than legitimate personal goal tracking.
g. The User violates the Code of Conduct in a serious manner.
9.5 In case the User terminates the contract for good cause Provider is responsible for, the User will be refunded for any payments he or she has made for virtual items and/or additional features proportionally for the time period between termination of the contract and the next possibility of ordinary termination. Exceeding claims of the User are excluded unless otherwise stated in this TOS.
9.6 In case the Provider rightfully declares the termination for good cause, Provider is entitled to claim 75% of all fees which the User possibly would have had to pay for the remainder of the term. The User remains free to prove that no or only substantially lower damages were suffered.
9.7 Termination notice has to be given in written form whereas e-mail form is sufficient. In the extraordinary termination notice, the reasons for the extraordinary termination must be included.
9.8 To cancel a subscription (if applicable), the User must do so through their account settings at least 24 hours before the next renewal date to avoid being charged for the following period. Access to premium features will continue until the end of the current billing period after cancellation. Canceling a subscription does not cancel any active commitments with financial stakes; those commitments remain in effect according to their individual terms unless separately canceled.
§ 10 Intellectual Property Rights
10.1 PublicCommit and the content of the corresponding websites are exclusive property of the Provider or the respective licensor. Any unauthorized distribution, copying, reproduction or any other violation of intellectual property rights are subject to criminal and civil prosecution.
10.2 All rights in content you create in PublicCommit (commitment descriptions, notes, progress updates, and other material) remain with you. By using sharing features to share content with other users, you grant those users a non-exclusive, personal license to view the shared content. You can revoke sharing access at any time, though users may have already viewed or retained information that was previously shared. You grant the Provider a limited, non-exclusive license to store and display your content as necessary to provide the services of PublicCommit.
§ 11 Data Protection
The Provider commits himself explicitly to the protection of user privacy and respects the applicable data protection laws for data processing. Further information can be found on the Data Protection Declaration on the website of the Provider.
§ 12 Responsibility for Third Party Content
When you use PublicCommit's sharing features, you may see content created by other users, including their commitment descriptions and progress updates. Users are responsible for their own content. The Provider does not control, verify, or endorse user-generated content and is not responsible for its accuracy or appropriateness. User content is deemed to be third party content pursuant to Sec. 8 para. 1 of the German Telemedia Act (“Telemediengesetz – TMG”). The Provider is not liable for user-generated content. If PublicCommit provides links to external websites or resources, the Provider is not responsible for the content of those external sites and does not approve or endorse them.
§ 13 Specification/ Defects
13.1 The Provider provides access to PublicCommit in the respective version. Users are not entitled to claim maintenance or procurement of a specific function or functionality and/or the additional services. Users are aware and acknowledge that PublicCommit and its additional services can never be completely free of any defects, like any software. Therefore a defect is only given, if the usage is severely impaired.
13.2 Users will document possibly occurring defects in accurate form, especially by recording and submitting error messages in written form. Prior to submission of a possible defect, Users have to consult the provided troubleshooting guides and problem resolution tips (in particular FAQ documents and the User forum). The Users are obliged to support the Provider in removal of the defects.
13.3 The Users have to give immediately and in written form notice to the Provider after discovery of a defect when a defect occurs. In case of obvious defects, the notice has to be provided by the User within four weeks upon receipt of the goods – including virtual goods - or other services. It is sufficient to provide the notice of defect or send the notice of defect per mail in order to meet the time period. Any claims because of obvious defects are excluded after expiration of that term. It is suggested, in order to preserve evidence, to address defect claims directly to the Provider in written form (fax, e-mail or letter).
13.4 Liability is generally excluded for defects which are based on external influences, handling errors for which Users are responsible for, force majeure, changes which were not performed by the Provider or other manipulations.
13.5 The Provider does not grant any guarantees (“Garantien”).
§ 14 Liability
14.1 The Provider is not liable for damages other than damages caused by gross negligence or intent.
14.2 The preceding limitations of liability do not apply to the liability for harm of life, body and health or in case of the adoption of a guarantee by the Provider. The product liability in terms of the German Product Liability Act (“Produkthaftungsgesetz – ProdHaftG”) as well as within the scope of Sec. 44a of the German Telecommunications Act (“Telekommunikationsgesetz – TKG”) remains unaffected.
14.4 The obligation for compensation of damages caused by negligence of essential, contractual obligations is limited to the foreseeable damage. The foreseeable damage is limited to EUR 50.00 per Account.
14.5 The preceding limitations and exclusions of liability also apply to the liability of employees, coworkers, representatives and vicarious agents of the Provider, in particular in favor of shareholders, employees, vicarious agents, institutions and their members concerning their personal liability.
14.6 The Provider is only liable for damages which occur after advising on questions if the questioning concerns PublicCommit.
14.7 Any liability exceeding the liability as set out in this section 14 of the TOS is excluded. This applies to all claims for violation of contractual obligations and tortious acting.
14.8 The provisions in this section 14 of the TOS do not imply any change of proof of burden to the detriment of the User.
§ 15 Amendment of this TOS
15.1 The Provider reserves the right to amend or expand this TOS at any time with effect for the future, if this appears necessary and does not discriminate against the User in bad faith. An amendment may be necessary in particular to make adjustments to an amendment of the legal situation or to reflect changes of the scope of service concerning PublicCommit and/or additional services. New judicial decisions are considered as an amendment of the legal situation.
15.2 An amendment or expansion of this TOS is announced appropriately at least one month in advance, before the new TOS comes into effect, in written form. Regularly, such notice is given by e-mail or on the website of the Provider, but at least by a highlighted notification within the next login of the User.
15.3 It is recommended to Users to inform themselves regularly about the current state of the TOS.
§ 16 Final Provisions
16.1 Should any provisions of this TOS be held to be or become invalid in whole or in part, the validity of the remaining parts of this TOS is not affected.
16.2 In case the User transfers his residence or legal domicile outside of the Federal Republic of Germany, the legal venue is Friedberg (Hesse), Germany. This also applies, if the residence or legal domicile of the User is unknown at the time of a possible filing of a complaint.
16.3 The European Commission provides a platform for out-of-court online dispute resolution (ODR platform), which can be accessed at https://ec.europa.eu/odr. Steffen Knoedler is neither willing nor obliged to participate in a dispute resolution procedure (including online dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution) before a consumer arbitration board.
16.4 The laws of the Federal Republic of Germany shall apply, excluding the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, to all claims on basis of this TOS or in connection to it.
Frankfurt am Main, 08.01.2026
A service by Steffen Knoedler