Privacy Policy

1. SMS Data Collection and Usage

For our SMS service, we collect and process the following information:

• Phone numbers provided during subscription
• First names for personalized messaging
• Email addresses (when optionally provided)
• Message delivery status and engagement metrics
• Subscription preferences and opt-out records
• Time and date of messages sent and received
• Response messages (such as STOP or HELP commands)

SMS Data Usage

We use SMS data for the following purposes:

• Sending local updates and event information
• Processing opt-out requests and maintaining compliance
• Analyzing message effectiveness and engagement
• Improving our messaging service and content
• Maintaining records of subscriber preferences

SMS Data Retention

We retain SMS subscription data for as long as you are subscribed to our service. After unsubscribing, we maintain records of your opt-out status as required by law, but we remove your personal information from active messaging lists. You can request complete deletion of your data at any time.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information through various methods:

• Email addresses for newsletter subscriptions
• Location preferences and community selections
• Website usage data through analytics tools
• Business information for advertising services
• User interactions with our content and services
• Page view and navigation data

Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our website and improve user experience. This includes:

• Essential cookies for website functionality
• Analytics cookies to understand user behavior
• Marketing cookies for advertising effectiveness
• Session cookies to remember your preferences
• Persistent cookies to identify returning visitors (typically lasting 30 days)
• Authentication cookies for admin access when applicable

Analytics and User Tracking

Our website implements a user tracking system that collects:

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Content interactions (such as clicks on articles, products, or links)
• Conversion events (such as newsletter sign-ups)
• Referral sources and navigation paths
• Anonymous user identifiers stored in cookies

This data is stored securely in our database and used for analytics, improving user experience, and content personalization.

Subscriber Session Management

When you click links from our email newsletters or SMS messages that contain your subscriber ID:

• We capture and store your subscriber ID in cookies and local storage for up to 30 days
• This ID is used to automatically authenticate you for subscriber-only features
• Your subscriber ID may be appended to internal links to maintain your authenticated session
• This allows seamless access to polls, gated content, and interactive features without repeated logins
• You can clear this stored ID at any time by clearing your browser cookies and local storage

This feature enhances your experience by eliminating the need to repeatedly verify your subscription status. The subscriber ID is only used for authentication purposes and is not shared with third parties.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for:

• Delivering newsletters and updates
• Personalizing content based on location and preferences
• Analyzing and improving our services
• Marketing and advertising purposes
• Understanding content popularity and user engagement
• Optimizing website performance and user experience
• Measuring the effectiveness of our content and recommendations

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Tracking data is typically retained for up to 12 months, while account information is kept until you request deletion. You can request deletion of your data at any time.

4. Third-Party Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting business, or servicing you. These providers have access to your information only to perform specific tasks and are obligated to protect your information.

• Beehiiv for email newsletter delivery and management
• Klaviyo for SMS messaging and marketing
• Stripe for payment processing and billing
• Supabase for database and user authentication
• Netlify for website hosting and deployment
• Analytics providers to track website performance
• Content delivery networks for website performance

5. Your Privacy Rights

Under applicable privacy laws, you have the following rights:

• Right to access your personal information
• Right to correct inaccurate information
• Right to request deletion of your information
• Right to opt-out of marketing communications
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to certain processing of your data
• Right to withdraw consent at any time

Cookie Management

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. However, if you block essential cookies, some parts of our website may not function properly.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]

6. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during such transfers.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at [email protected].

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, or sell
• Right to delete personal information (with some exceptions)
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

We do not sell personal information to third parties. To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information below.

10. Colorado Privacy Act Rights

If you are a Colorado resident, you have the following rights under the Colorado Privacy Act:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to correct inaccuracies in your personal data
• Right to delete your personal data
• Right to data portability
• Right to opt-out of targeted advertising and sale of personal data

To exercise these rights or appeal a decision regarding your request, please contact us at [email protected].

11. Specific Data Collection Practices

URL Shortener: Our URL shortening service (/s/ links) collects click data including IP addresses, referrers, and timestamps to provide analytics to our partners.

Games and Achievements: We track game participation, scores, and achievements to enhance user experience and provide leaderboards.

Partner Portal: Business partners can access analytics about their content performance. This data is aggregated and does not include personally identifiable information of individual users.

Payment Information: Payment data for featured listings is processed by Stripe. We do not store credit card numbers or banking information on our servers.

Partner Landing Pages and Lead Generation: When you submit information through partner landing pages on our platform, we collect the data you provide (such as name, email, phone number, and any custom form fields). This information is:

• Shared with the specific partner whose landing page you visited
• Stored in our database to track lead quality and provide analytics to partners
• Used to prevent spam and ensure legitimate inquiries
• Subject to both our privacy practices and the partner's privacy policy

Partners are required to handle your information responsibly and in compliance with applicable privacy laws. You may contact partners directly to request deletion of information they have received through our platform.

12. Do Not Track Signals

Our website does not currently respond to Do Not Track (DNT) browser signals. However, you can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or by contacting us.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

14. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that may compromise your personal information, we will notify affected users via email within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach, as required by applicable laws.

15. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we may also notify you via email.

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]