Okay, let us talk about cookies. Not the ones you eat (sorry to disappoint), but the small digital files that websites store on your device. This notice explains what cookies are, how we use them on writingbydavid.com, and what you can do about them.
What Is a Cookie?
A cookie is a tiny text file that a website saves on your browser or device when you visit. It is like a little sticky note that helps the site remember things about you, such as what you prefer, how you found the site, or whether you have visited before.
Cookies are not viruses. They cannot run programs or carry malware. They are just small bits of data that make your browsing experience smoother and help websites understand how people use them.
Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use cookies to:
- Understand how visitors use this site so we can keep improving it
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Show you relevant ads through our advertising partners
- Keep track of how well the site performs
- Protect the site from spam and abuse
Without cookies, a lot of things that make websites useful and personal would simply not work.
Types of Cookies We Use
Not all cookies do the same thing. Here is a breakdown of the different types used on this site:
1. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to work. They do things like remember your cookie preferences or keep the site secure. You cannot opt out of these because the site would not function properly without them.
2. Analytics and Performance Cookies
These cookies help us understand how people find and use this site. For example, they tell us which pages are visited the most, how long people stay, and where they come from. We use Google Analytics for this. The data collected is anonymous and is only used to improve the site.
3. Advertising and Targeting Cookies
These cookies are placed by our advertising partners, including Google AdSense, Google Ad Manager, Ezoic, Mediavine, and Monetag. They are used to show you ads that are relevant to your interests, based on your browsing behaviour across this and other websites. This is often called interest-based or personalised advertising.
4. Functional Cookies
These cookies remember choices you make on the site, like your language or region, to give you a more personalised experience. They are not strictly necessary but they do make things more convenient for you.
5. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on this site are placed by third-party services that we use. These include:
- Google AdSense and Google Ad Manager: for serving and managing ads. You can read more on Google Cookies.
- Google Analytics: for tracking site performance and visitor behaviour
- Google Tag Manager: for managing and deploying tracking scripts
- Ezoic: for ad optimisation and site performance. You can read more on Ezoic Cookies.
- Mediavine: for serving and managing ads, site performance and managing email subscriptions. You can read more on Mediavine Cookies.
- Monetag: for additional advertising services. You can read more on Monetag Cookies.
Each of these third parties has its own cookie policy, and we recommend you read them if you want to know exactly how they handle your data.
How Long Do Cookies Last?
Some cookies disappear as soon as you close your browser. These are called session cookies. Others stick around for a set period of time, sometimes days, months, or even years. These are called persistent cookies.
For example, Google Analytics cookies can stay on your device for up to two years, while advertising cookies from our partners may have their own expiry timelines set by those companies.
How to Control or Delete Cookies
You are in charge of cookies on your device. Here are your options:
Through your browser settings: most browsers let you view, block, or delete cookies. Here are links to cookie settings for the most popular browsers:
To opt out of personalised advertising:
- Visit Google’s Ad Settings to control how Google uses your data for ads
- Visit aboutads.info/choices to opt out of interest-based ads from participating companies
- Visit youronlinechoices.eu if you are based in Europe
To opt out of Google Analytics:
You can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to stop your visits from being tracked by Google Analytics.
Please be aware that blocking or deleting cookies may affect how parts of this site work. Some features may not function as expected.
Your Consent
By continuing to use the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies as described here.
You can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using the opt-out links listed above.
Questions?
If you have any questions about how we use cookies or how your data is handled, please reach out through the contact page on this site. We are happy to help.