You agree to the privacy policy below, and the Privacy Policy for Substack, the technology provider.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024

Welcome, dear reader, to the most riveting part of any website: the Privacy Policy! 🎉 I know, I know, this isn’t as exciting as my latest article, but it’s important, so grab a coffee (or tea), sit back, and let’s dive into how I handle your personal info with all the care of a panda cradling its baby. 🐼

What’s This Privacy Policy All About?

Glad you asked! This document explains how gopichandbusam.substack.com (that’s me!) and Substack (my trusty sidekick) collect, use, and share the personal info you kindly entrust to me. Don’t worry, I’m not here to sell your secrets to the highest bidder—this is a drama-free zone!

Will This Policy Ever Change?

Just like my writing style evolves (hopefully for the better!), this Privacy Policy might need an update from time to time. If that happens, I’ll let you know via email (no spammy stuff, pinky promise) or post a friendly reminder here. If you keep reading my posts afterward, I’ll assume we’re still on the same page. 📖

What Info Do We Collect?

When you hang out on my Substack, I may collect a few tidbits of information about you—nothing too personal, just enough to keep the site running smoothly and make sure my newsletters land in your inbox (and not in the dreaded spam folder).

Here’s what I might collect:

  • Name & Email: Pretty standard for newsletters, right? I’ll use these to send you my latest musings.

  • Payment Info: If you subscribe to paid content, Substack (and its trusty payment processor, Stripe) will handle that for me. I don’t touch your payment details—too risky, and I’m not great with numbers anyway.

  • Browser Data: Things like your IP address and what device you’re reading from. This helps me understand if you’re reading on your phone, laptop, or possibly a futuristic space tablet (I can dream!).

  • Cookies: These aren’t the chocolate chip kind (sadly), but they help the website remember you. More on this later!

Why Do We Need This Info?

I only collect your personal info to make your experience as smooth as possible, and to keep my newsletter party going! 🎉 Here’s how I use your data:

  • To Send You Cool Stuff: Like the very newsletter you signed up for (high five!).

  • To Analyze What You Love: I’ll check out which posts you’re clicking on most so I can keep giving you the good stuff.

  • For Payment Processing: When you subscribe to paid content, Substack and Stripe handle the financials—rest assured, it’s all secure!

  • To Make the Site Better: I use anonymous info (like page views) to tweak the website and improve your experience.

Do We Share Your Info?

Now here’s the fun part—nope! I don’t sell, trade, or rent your personal data like a rare collector’s item. Your info is safe with me. 🛡️ But here’s where it might be shared:

  • Substack: They help me run this show, so they’ll need access to some info (like your email).

  • Service Providers: Substack works with services like Stripe to process payments. They’ll only see the necessary info to complete transactions. No funny business.

  • Legal Stuff: If a law demands your info, I’ll have to comply (though I’ll kick and scream internally). But I’ll only share what’s absolutely required.

Cookies: The Digital Kind 🍪

Here’s the lowdown on cookies:

  • Necessary Cookies: These help the site remember who you are, so you don’t have to re-login every time. Think of them as helpful little elves.

  • Analytics Cookies: I use these to see which posts make you smile, and which ones might need a rewrite (constructive feedback is always welcome!).

If you want to limit cookies, you can adjust your browser settings. But be warned—without cookies, the internet experience may be a little like eating plain toast. 🥱

How Do We Keep Your Info Safe?

Your personal info is as important to me as that last slice of pizza, and I take care to protect it! Substack uses industry-standard security measures, and I do my best to keep things secure. That said, the internet is a wild place, and I can’t guarantee invincibility. But hey, I’m trying my best to keep the hackers at bay! 🛡️

What Are Your Rights?

You’re the boss of your data, so here are your rights:

  • Access: Want to know what info I have on you? Just ask, and I’ll let you know (though spoiler: it’s usually just your name and email).

  • Correction: If something’s not right, shoot me a message and I’ll fix it ASAP.

  • Deletion: Decided you’ve had enough? 😢 Unsubscribe, and I can delete your info on request.

Feel free to email me at gopichandbusam@substack.com with any requests. I’m always happy to help!

California & EU Friends: Special Rights!

If you’re in California or the European Union, you’ve got extra rights thanks to the CCPA and GDPR (fancy acronyms, right?). You can request more details on how your info is used, or ask for it to be deleted. Just let me know at [Insert Email].

Data Retention: How Long Do We Keep Your Info?

I only keep your data as long as we’re hanging out (aka while you’re subscribed). If you leave, I’ll only keep the info necessary for legal or admin purposes—nothing more, nothing less.

Cookies & Third-Party Shenanigans

Sometimes I might link out to other websites (who can resist a good cat video on YouTube?). Keep in mind, that those sites have their own privacy policies. Third-party services like Google or Twitter might use cookies to track you, but you can adjust your settings to manage those.

Got Questions?

I’m an open book! 📚 If you’ve got any questions, or concerns, or want to chat about how your data is used, drop me an email at gopichandbusam@substack.com . I’ll respond as quickly as possible (unless I’m in the middle of a writing spree, then I’ll respond shortly after!).

TL;DR: I collect a little info (like your name and email) to send you newsletters and improve the site. Your info is safe with me, and you can always unsubscribe if you need a break (though I’ll miss you!). Reach out if you have any questions!