THE PLUMMET Membership ~ Terms & Conditions

Last updated: December 2025

1. Overview

THE PLUMMET is a discussion-based Shakespeare study group offered through Queen Charlotte’s Villeins and led by Ben Atkinson (“the Arch-Villein”). Sessions are conducted remotely via Zoom and focus on the close, performance-oriented study of Shakespeare’s plays.

By joining THE PLUMMET, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

2. Membership & Eligibility

  • Membership is open to individuals who complete a brief application process and are approved.
  • Approval is based on good-faith interest, openness to discussion, and suitability for a collaborative learning environment.
  • The organizer reserves the right to decline applications at their discretion.

3. Membership Term & Cost

  • Membership costs $100 USD per year (updated and applicable from 1/25/26 forward. All existing subscriptions retain their original rate until canceled).
  • Membership runs for 12 months from the date of payment.
  • Membership is billed as an annual recurring subscription, unless canceled by the member.
  • Members may cancel their subscription at any time through the payment platform. Cancellation stops future renewals but does not entitle the member to a refund for the current term.

4. Session Schedule & Format

  • Sessions are held Tuesday evenings from 6:30–8:30 PM Eastern Time via Zoom.
  • THE PLUMMET guarantees a minimu of 40 sessions per calendar year, allowing for holidays, illness, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Sessions proceed sequentially through the text, picking up where the previous session ended.
  • Plays are studied one at a time, with no fixed completion timeline.

5. Attendance Responsibility

  • Attendance is the responsibility of each member.
  • Missed sessions do not qualify for refunds, credits, or makeup sessions.
  • Recordings are not guaranteed and should not be assumed to be available.

6. Refund Policy

  • Refunds or prorated refunds will be issued only if the promised sessions are not made available by the organizer.
  • No refunds will be issued due to:
    • Scheduling conflicts
    • Missed sessions
    • Loss of interest
    • Personal circumstances
    • Removal due to conduct violations

7. Audit Sessions

  • Applicants may be granted one free audit session at the discretion of the organizer.
  • Audit sessions are intended to allow prospective members to experience the format before joining.
  • Participation in an audit session does not guarantee acceptance into the group.

8. Conduct & Participation Expectations

THE PLUMMET is a space for rigorous, generous, and respectful inquiry.

Members agree to:

  • Engage in civil, respectful discussion
  • Listen actively and in good faith
  • Support claims with reasoning, evidence, or textual reference when possible
  • Remain open to revising interpretations

Constructive disagreement and debate are encouraged.

However:

  • Relentless argument, bad-faith debate, or attempts to dominate discussion will not be tolerated.
  • Personal attacks, dismissiveness, harassment, or disruptive behavior are grounds for removal.
  • The Arch-Villein serves as moderator and retains authority to redirect discussion, intervene when necessary, or remove participants to protect the integrity of the group.

Removal for conduct violations does not entitle the member to a refund.

9. Moderator Authority

  • THE PLUMMET is discussion-driven but moderated.
  • The Arch-Villein retains final authority over:
    • Session flow and pacing
    • Topic redirection
    • Time management
    • Group participation boundaries

This moderation exists to ensure clarity, momentum, and a productive learning environment for all members.

10. Intellectual Property & Recording

  • Shakespeare’s texts are in the public domain; however, interpretations, discussions, and materials shared within sessions are not.
  • Recording, distributing, or sharing session content without explicit permission is prohibited.
  • Materials shared by participants remain the property of their creators.

11. Changes to the Program or Terms

  • The organizer reserves the right to make reasonable changes to scheduling, structure, or terms.
  • Members will be notified of significant changes with reasonable notice whenever possible.

12. Acceptance of Terms

By joining THE PLUMMET and submitting payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.