I value your privacy.
I use SSL (encryption) to protect your data in transit to and from my site as well as robust security software to protect the integrity of this site and in turn your data.
The only information I store on WriterElaineGray.Com is information that you provide freely:
Comments
To allow for discussion, you have the opportunity to post comments on this website. The information collected includes your name, email address, IP address, web address, and your comments. If you ever wish to have your comments removed, send me a quick note through the contact form and I’ll remove them.
To protect my site from spam, your information is compared with a list of known spam senders by Akismet. Akismet is owned by Automattic. Akismet only stores your information for a few days to give me time to contest its decision as to whether you are a spammer or not.
An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. Gravatar is owned by Automattic. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.
Contact Forms
Contact forms on this site allow you to send me messages. Those messages (along with your email address, IP address, and your name) are processed through my website and sent to me via email. They are not stored on the website. The information is sent to Akismet as noted above for comments.
Website Activity Tracking
My hosting company does provide me with basic data on those who access my site. The data stored in this manner is not traceable back to any individual and is deliberately generalized. It provides me with information related to the country of origin of site visitors, what browser they are using, and how long they stayed on the site.
In addition, Google and other search engines track website visitors. This is something that happens whenever you use the internet. If you do not want to be tracked, please consider using a private browser window.
Use of Cookies
A cookie is a small text file that is placed on your hard disk by a Web page server. Cookies cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses to your computer. One of the primary purposes of cookies is to provide a convenience feature to save you time. For example, the cookie notice on this site will place a cookie on your computer when you accept it. Then it won’t ask you if you approve of cookies again for a month. This simplifies the process of delivering relevant content, eases site navigation, and so on. When you return to the Web site, the information you previously provided can be retrieved, so you can easily use the site’s features that you customized.
If you leave a comment on my site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address, and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year.
You have the ability to accept or decline cookies. Many Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer. If you choose to decline cookies, you may not be able to fully experience the interactive features of this or other Web sites you visit.
Changes to this Statement
I may occasionally update this privacy statement. When I do, I will also revise the “updated” date at the top of the privacy statement. I encourage you to periodically review this privacy statement to stay informed about how I am helping to protect the personal information I collect. Your continued use of the service constitutes your agreement to this privacy statement and any updates.
A Note to International Users
This Site is hosted in the United States. If you are accessing the Site from outside the United States, by providing your information to the Site, you are consenting to the transfer of your information to the United States for processing and maintenance in accordance with this Privacy Notice. You are also consenting to the application of United States law in all matters concerning the Site.
