Privacy Policy

• This site may use device-side storage (cookies and localStorage) to remember preferences and interaction state.
• No advertising pixels or third-party tracking intended to follow users across unrelated websites.
• Newsletter subscriptions use a name, email address, optional reading preferences, and confirmation status to send requested updates and essential subscription messages.
• Reader accounts use a display name, email address, verification status, password hash or linked Google account identifier, session records, and security timestamps to provide account access. A bio, profile picture, favorite books, and Sebastian Michaels collection shelf are optional.
• Messages sent through contact forms or email are used to respond and to support site operations and security.

This site may store small pieces of data on a device to preserve preferences and interaction state, such as dismissing notices, remembering UI choices, or reducing repeated prompts.

Cookies and site data can be cleared in browser settings. Cookies can also be disabled in the browser, but some site features may not function as intended.

• Newsletter subscription: a name and email address are required. Optional interests, favorite-book preference, and referral source may be provided to shape future newsletters.
• Contact forms or email: the contents of a message and any included contact details are received and used to respond. Avoid sending sensitive personal information.
• Reader accounts: a display name and email are required. A bio, profile picture, favorite-book list, and collection shelf are optional. Profile pictures are stored with private account data and delivered only to the signed-in account. Passwords are stored as one-way hashes. If Google sign-in is used, the site receives the Google account identifier, verified email, and display name needed to create or connect the account; Google access tokens are not retained.

Web servers typically log basic request metadata, which may include IP address, user agent, request time, referrer, and requested URL. Logs are used for security, debugging, and performance monitoring, and are not used to build advertising profiles.

This site is designed to minimize third-party tracking. Hosting and email infrastructure are used to operate subscriptions and account email, Cloudflare Turnstile is used to prevent automated signup abuse, and Google OAuth may be used when a visitor chooses Google sign-in. These services are used for operational necessity rather than advertising.

• To provide site functionality and preserve device-side preferences.
• To create and secure reader accounts, maintain signed-in sessions, recover account access, and support reader features such as achievements or saved ARG state.
• To send newsletters when a subscription is requested.
• To respond to messages and requests.
• To maintain security, detect abuse, and support troubleshooting.

Device-side storage remains on a device until it is deleted by the user or expires based on browser behavior. Messages, subscription records, and active account records are retained only as long as reasonably necessary to operate the requested services, maintain security, comply with applicable obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce site integrity. Expired verification, recovery, and session records are removed or invalidated.

• Cookies and localStorage can be cleared at any time through browser settings.
• Every newsletter includes an unsubscribe link that immediately stops future newsletter delivery.
• Account profile, collection, email, and password settings can be updated from the account page. A new email address is not applied until it is verified.
• Requests to delete account, subscription, or contact data can be sent to contact@sebastianmichaels.art.

Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to help protect information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

This site is not intended for children under 13, and it does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If it is believed that a child has provided personal information, contact the site operator and reasonable steps will be taken to remove it.

This policy may be updated to reflect changes in site features, tools, or requirements. The effective date at the top of this page indicates the current version.

For privacy questions, deletion requests, or other inquiries related to this policy: contact@sebastianmichaels.art