Terms of Use
A quick but necessary read
If you're moved by the words and the images on Fieldnotes from a Watcher, you receive a heartfelt "thank you" from me. Unless specifically cited with accurate sources, all contents (texts, photographs, etc.) of this literary journal are labor of love, with time, sweat, tears, and heart dedicated to their creation over the course of several decades. Do respect their existence and the creators behind them as you savor these stories.
See detailed legalese below.
Last updated: March 2026
By accessing or using this website, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the website.
1. Ownership of Content and Copyright
All original written content, photography, illustrations, and other creative works published on Fieldnotes from a Watcher (noted as "Content" below) are the sole property of Ruika Lin, unless otherwise explicitly cited and credited with accurate sources, such as guest writers or contributors. All rights reserved.
Guest Writer Content. Guest writers and contributors retain ownership of their original work (noted as "Guest Content" below). By submitting work for publication on Fieldnotes from a Watcher, guest writers or contributors grant Ruika Lin a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish, display, and archive the submitted work on this site and in associated letters and communications. Guest writers will always be credited by their preferred name. Any republication of guest work beyond the original publication requires mutual written agreement between Ruika Lin and the guest writer.
Reader Submissions. Any unsolicited ideas, feedback, or suggestions submitted to Fieldnotes from a Watcher will not be treated as confidential or proprietary, and may be considered or used without obligation or compensation.
2. Prohibited Uses
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, display, perform, commercially exploit, or otherwise use the Content or Guest Content in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission from the rights holder.
Brief quotations for the purpose of commentary, criticism, or review are permitted provided that Fieldnotes from a Watcher and the author are clearly credited and a link to the original work is included.
3. Copyright
All Content and Guest Content on this site is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use of the Content and Guest Content may violate copyright, trademark, and other applicable laws.
4. Fair Use and Citing Sources
In cases where the Content is cited with proper attribution and accurate sources, use of such Content may be permitted under the doctrine of fair use. However, any use of the Content without express consent is prohibited.
5. Permissions Requests
To request permission to use, reprint, or reproduce any Content or Guest Content, please contact us using this form.
6. Modifications and Updates
Ruika Lin reserves the right to modify or update these Terms of Use at any time without notice. Any changes will be posted on this page, and by continuing to use the site, you agree to the updated terms.
7. Disclaimer of Liability
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the Content and Guest Content, Ruika Lin and guest writers/contributors make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information on this site. The Content or Guest Content is provided "as is" and Ruika Lin and guest writers/contributors assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of the Content or Guest Content.
8. Subscription Terms
Paid subscriptions to Fieldnotes from a Watcher are billed monthly or annually depending on the plan selected by the subscriber at signup, and renew automatically at the end of each billing period.
You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account portal, or by clicking "Unsubscribe" in your email. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period — you will retain full access to subscriber content through that date.
Refunds. Monthly subscriptions are not eligible for partial refunds. Annual subscriptions cancelled within 7 days of the initial purchase or renewal date are eligible for a full refund upon request. Refund requests outside this window will be considered on a case-by-case basis - please reach out directly.
Subscription tier changes. You may upgrade or downgrade your subscription tier at any time through your account portal. Changes take effect at the start of the next billing cycle.
One-time contributions. One-time contributions are non-refundable.
Questions. For any billing questions or refund requests, please contact us directly via this form.
9. Governing Law
These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California in the United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.