I, Amy Nichol Smith, am a writer who is simply using my website https://www.amynicholsmith.com (“site”) to inform and connect with an audience. I take your privacy very seriously, and I have no interest in selling your information. However, I do collect data in a typical, normal, cookie-type way. If you sign up for my newsletter, then I have your email address, so I can send you my newsletter. So, it’s all opt-in stuff.
So, bottom line: I create content for you, you opt-in for cookies, emails, etc., and I use third-party apps that use location-identifying and advertising-tracking technologies. Mostly, I want to know if what I’m writing is effective, and analytics tell me this. 🙂 And then I’m hoping you’ll click links to go buy my books or other products. I will also likely use data for advertising purposes (interest-based advertising).
You have every right to opt out of communications from me, deny cookie tracking, and such. Contact me here if you want me to delete your information. And then you can stop using my site, if you’d prefer. I hope you don’t, though!
Here’s the more specific details of my privacy policy & terms and conditions:
Terms
Your use of this website means you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of use and applicable laws and regulations. You are responsible for adhering to any local laws that apply. If you don’t agree to the terms of use laid out here, do not use the site.
Use License
You may not copy, change, distribute, license, transmit, reproduce, disseminate, display, transfer, sell, or offer for sale, any information, material, product, or service on or obtained from my site without express permission from me.
Revisions
This site may include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. I may make changes to the materials contained on my site at any time without notice.
What Information Does This Site Collect?
If you voluntarily sign up for my newsletter, respond to a survey, or fill out a form on my site, the third-party email marketing program I use records your email address, and other personal information (PI), if you provide it. You can refuse to supply personal information, but that will exclude you from certain related activities such as receiving newsletters, entries to giveaways, and other offers.
You may unsubscribe any time, and you can request your PI be deleted any time.
Giveaways & Contests
If you enter a giveaway, your first name, last name, and email address are collected. If you win a physical prize, you will be asked to give your physical/mailing address.
Logs
As is typical for most websites, this website uses log files that record non-personal information about visitors when they interact with the site, such as internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, internet service provider (ISP), page navigation, platform used, time spent on site, bounce rates, and other non-identifying information. I use this information to track trends (thank you, Google Analytics) so I can serve you best.
Cookies
This website may use “cookies” to enhance visitor experience. Cookies are are bits of information that may be placed on visitors’ hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. These are common, and it’s most likely your browser is already set to accept cookies. However, you can change your browser settings to refuse cookies. Please note that some parts of my site may not function properly without cookies.
Tracking Pixels
A tracking pixel is a “clear gif” or an “internet tag,” which is used in emails and on site pages to track the number of visitors. The information is to track what content is trending, and use to monitor how visitors use the site or emails.
Embedded Scripts
An embedded script is a bit of code that’s temporarily downloaded to your device while you’re using the site, created and used by a third-party app that I may use. It is meant to collect information about how you interact with my site, and the code is deleted afterward.
How Is the Information Used?
Newsletter subscribers’ names and emails will only be used for receiving the newsletters or communication from me (Amy Nichol Smith).
If you enter a giveaway or contest, your information will only be used for that purpose. You will receive no other communication, unless you also sign up for my newsletter or other form of communication.
If and when I offer products to sell on my site, I will update my SSL certificate with an appropriate version for transmitting payment information. Any and all data collected related to payment information will only be used for payment and delivery, and that data will be stored (if there’s an option for storage) by third-party services only — not by me.
Information about how you interact with my site, surveys, emails, or other communication is used to create a better experience for you. For the most part, the way I use your data is for analytical purposes — and the third-party services I use has access to this information, but they do not use PI.
Sharing of Personal Information
Your personal information is only shared in ways outlined here in this privacy policy. I will never sell your information to anyone else. Ever. If you give me your personal information for a specific purpose of sharing with a third party, then I will do that for that purpose only.
The only other time your information may be shared is when required by law (e.g., subpoena or court orders to do so), or if the information you’ve shared requires me to ensure the safety of the lives, property, security, and health of myself and/or others.
Third-Party Links
I may add third-party links, and I am not responsible for any of the material on those websites. You should read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of those third-party sites before subscribing or purchasing from them. Not all of the links provided are an endorsement by me.
Security of Information
I do my best to protect your data from any unauthorized access attempts, but transmission of data over the internet is never without risk. I cannot guarantee security of your information that’s collected through my site. Should a data breach occur, I will notify subscribers within 7 days. If the data is stored by a third-party service, then that service will be responsible and should contact me regarding the breach (and I will then inform my subscribers).
Use of this Website by Minors
All subscribers must be 13 years old or older to use this site. I will not knowingly collect information about children or minors, nor will I include them in my newsletters. This site is not meant for children. In some instances, you may be required to enter a birthdate to verify your age.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
I may update this privacy policy at any time and without notice to anyone. I will post the update on this page, and I will date it accordingly. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this Privacy Policy periodically if you wish to monitor changes.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or anything else on https://www.amynicholsmith.com, please contact me here.
