PRIVACY POLICY
Last Updated: [2026/5/6]
Sloane's Field Notes ("the Site," "we," "our," or "us") is a personal blog run by one person — me, Sloane. I don’t have a legal team, a marketing department, or a data-mining operation. But I do take your privacy seriously. Here’s exactly what happens with your information, plain English, no runaround.
1. Information I Collect
I keep this minimal. Really.
Information you voluntarily give me:
Email address — if you sign up for a newsletter (coming soon) or contact me through the Site.
Name — only if you choose to provide it when commenting or emailing.
Comments — if you leave a comment on a post, I collect whatever you type in the comment box, plus your IP address and browser user agent string (standard spam detection stuff). An anonymized string created from your email (a hash) may be sent to the Gravatar service. Gravatar's privacy policy is here.
Information collected automatically:
Analytics data — I use a privacy-focused analytics tool (such as Plausible or Fathom) that collects aggregate data like page views, referrer sources, and general location at the country level. No cookies. No personal identifiers. No tracking across sites. I want to know which posts people actually read, not who you are.
Server logs — my hosting provider may log standard technical data like IP addresses, browser type, and timestamps. This is for site performance and security, and I don't dig through it unless something breaks.
I do NOT collect: credit card numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, date of birth, social security numbers, or anything else that would make you (or me) uncomfortable.
2. Affiliate Links and Sponsored Content
Some posts contain affiliate links. If you click one and buy something, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. The price is the same either way.
I only link to gear I've actually used or thoroughly researched. I don't take free products in exchange for positive reviews, and I don't run sponsored posts where someone else writes the script. If a post is sponsored, I'll say so clearly at the top. No fine print, no surprises.
Affiliate programs I may participate in include REI, Backcountry, Patagonia, and similar outdoor retailers. These programs use cookies to track purchases back to my link. Those cookies are set by the retailer, not by me. You can clear your cookies or use incognito mode if you prefer.
3. How I Use Your Information
I use your information for exactly these purposes and nothing else:
To respond to your emails or comments.
To send newsletters, if you opt in. Every email will include a one-click unsubscribe link. No hard feelings.
To understand what content resonates, through anonymous aggregate analytics.
To keep the Site secure and prevent spam or abuse.
I don't sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with anyone. Period. No third-party data brokers, no ad networks mining your profile, no "partners" you've never heard of.
4. Third-Party Services
I use a small handful of third-party services to run this Site. Here's what they are and what they can see:
Website host — stores the Site files and database (which may include comments and contact form submissions).
Analytics provider — receives anonymous, aggregated usage data.
Email newsletter provider (if used) — stores email addresses of subscribers.
Affiliate networks — receive anonymized click data when you follow an affiliate link.
I choose providers that align with my approach to privacy. If that changes, I'll update this page.
5. Cookies
I don't set cookies on this Site for tracking. The only cookies that may appear are functional ones from:
Commenting (so you don't have to re-enter your details on every visit)
Affiliate links (set by the retailer, with a typical 30–90 day window)
You can disable cookies in your browser settings. The Site will still work fine.
6. Embedded Content from Other Sites
Posts may include embedded content (videos, images, maps). Embedded content from other sites behaves exactly as if you visited that other site. Those sites may collect data, use cookies, and track your interaction. I can't control what YouTube or Instagram does. Check their policies if you're concerned.
7. Your Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including:
Access — ask me what info I have about you.
Correction or deletion — ask me to fix or delete it.
Opt-out — unsubscribe from emails, ask me to stop processing your data.
To exercise any of these, email me at [[email protected]] . I'll respond within 30 days. No hoops, no forms, no runaround — this is a one-person operation, and I respect your time.
8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
I don't sell personal information — not yours, not anyone's. I collect minimal data, and I don't meet the thresholds that trigger most CCPA requirements. But if you're a California resident and want to confirm I'm not holding anything on you, email me.
9. GDPR (EU/UK Visitors)
If you're in the EU or UK: I process personal data based on legitimate interest (responding to your inquiries), your consent (newsletter signups), or legal obligation. You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority, though I hope you'd just email me first.
10. Children's Privacy
This Site is not directed at children under 13, and I don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 13. If you think I have, let me know and I'll delete it immediately.
11. Changes to This Policy
If this policy changes, I'll update the "Last Updated" date above. For material changes, I'll post a notice on the Site. This isn't a bank — significant changes will be rare.
12. Contact
Questions, concerns, or requests: email me at [[email protected]] .
This is a one-person blog. When you email me, you get me — not a support ticket system. I'll do right by you, because that's how I'd want to be treated.