At Insights by the Fireside, we value your trust and are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website at https://insightsbythefireside.me/ (the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this policy. Let’s work together to keep your data secure while fostering a vibrant community of ideas.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information to enhance your experience and provide valuable content. The types of information we collect include:
- Personal Information: When you voluntarily provide it, we may collect:
- Your name and email address (e.g., when you leave a comment, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact us).
- Other details you share through forms or direct communication (e.g., inquiries sent to brian@insightsbythefireside.me).
- Non-Personal Information: We automatically collect:
- Usage data, such as pages visited, time spent on the Site, and referral URLs, via analytics tools like Google Analytics.
- Device and browser information, including IP address, browser type, and operating system, to optimize the Site’s performance.
- Cookies and similar technologies to track preferences and improve user experience (see Section 5 for details).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to deliver a personalized and engaging experience, including:
- Responding to your comments, inquiries, or requests sent to brian@insightsbythefireside.me.
- Sending newsletters or updates (only if you opt in, with an unsubscribe option always available).
- Analyzing Site usage to improve content, design, and functionality.
- Ensuring the Site’s security and preventing fraud or abuse.
- Complying with legal obligations or resolving disputes.
We do not use your information for purposes unrelated to the Site’s operation or your experience without your consent.
3. How We Share Your Information
We respect your privacy and limit sharing your information. We may share it in the following cases:
- Service Providers: With trusted third parties (e.g., hosting providers, analytics services like Google Analytics, or email platforms like Kit) who assist in operating the Site, provided they agree to protect your data.
- Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as to comply with a subpoena, court order, or other legal process.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of Insights by the Fireside, your information may be transferred, but we will notify you in advance.
- Aggregated Data: We may share non-identifiable, aggregated data (e.g., Site traffic statistics) for analytics or marketing purposes.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Your Choices and Rights
You have control over your information:
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from newsletters by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email or contacting brian@insightsbythefireside.me.
- Access and Correction: Request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by emailing brian@insightsbythefireside.me. We will respond within 30 days, subject to legal requirements.
- Cookies: Manage cookie preferences through your browser settings (see Section 5).
- GDPR (EU Residents): If you’re in the European Economic Area, you have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or port your data, and to object to processing. Contact us at brian@insightsbythefireside.me to exercise these rights.
- CCPA (California Residents): You have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion, and opt out of data sales (we do not sell data). Submit requests to brian@insightsbythefireside.me.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the Site’s functionality (e.g., navigation).
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Site (e.g., via Google Analytics).
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings for a better experience.
You can disable cookies in your browser, but this may affect the Site’s functionality. For more information, see our Cookie Policy (available upon request at brian@insightsbythefireside.me).
6. Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your information, including encryption, secure servers, and access controls. However, no online platform is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you suspect a data breach, please contact us immediately at brian@insightsbythefireside.me.
7. Third-Party Links
The Site may contain links to third-party websites or services (e.g., social media platforms). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing information.
8. Children’s Privacy
Insights by the Fireside is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in the EEA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us at brian@insightsbythefireside.me to request its deletion.
9. International Data Transfers
As Insights by the Fireside is based in the United States, your information may be processed in the U.S., where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. By using the Site, you consent to this transfer. For EEA users, we implement safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses to protect your data.
10. Retention of Information
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy (e.g., to respond to inquiries or maintain subscriptions) or as required by law. Non-personal data (e.g., analytics) may be retained indefinitely in aggregated form.
11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Any disputes arising from this policy will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and you consent to their jurisdiction and venue.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:
- Email: brian@insightsbythefireside.me
- Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Site after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Last Updated: July 15, 2025
Thank you for being part of the Insights by the Fireside community! We’re committed to protecting your privacy while creating a space for meaningful connections and insights.