Legal

Last Updated: November 2, 2025

The Short Version

I collect your email when you subscribe to my newsletter. I don't sell it, share it, or do anything sketchy with it. That's it.

Who I Am

This blog is operated by Alexandria "Hannah" Patellis. If you need to contact me about privacy concerns, email me at me [circle a] hannahap [point] com.

What Information I Collect

Email Address and Name: When you subscribe to my newsletter, I collect your email address and whatever name you want associated with it.

Newsletter Analytics: I may collect basic information about whether you opened my emails or clicked links (standard email metrics).

Website Usage: Like most websites, my server logs basic information like your IP address, browser type, and pages visited.

How I Use Your Information

I use your email address for exactly one thing: sending you the newsletter you signed up for.

I use analytics to understand what content resonates with my readers and improve my content.

How I Store Your Information

Your email address is stored in:

• MySQL database via Ghost: The open source, self-hosted blogging platform I utilize (Ghost) is installed on a private server and stores data in a private MySQL database that only I have access to
• Mailgun: My email delivery service (required by Ghost for sending newsletters)

Both systems use industry-standard security practices. My server is secured and regularly updated.

Your Rights

You can:

• Unsubscribe anytime using the link in every email
• Request your data by emailing me
• Request deletion of your data by emailing me
• Update your email by unsubscribing and re-subscribing with a new address

I will process these requests within 30 days.

What I Don't Do

I don't:

• Sell your email address
• Share your email with third parties (except Mailgun for delivery)
• Send spam
• Use your data for advertising
• Track you across other websites

Cookies

I don't use tracking cookies. Any cookies present are essential for the website to function (like keeping you logged in if you're an admin).

Third-Party Services

Mailgun: I use Mailgun to deliver newsletters. They process your email address for delivery purposes only. See Mailgun's Privacy Policy.

Data Retention

I keep your email address as long as you're subscribed. When you unsubscribe, I remove you from my active mailing list. I may retain minimal records for compliance purposes (like proof you requested removal).

International Data Transfers

My server and database are located in the United States of America. If you're subscribing from outside this location, your data will be transferred there.

Children's Privacy

This newsletter is not intended for anyone under 13. I don't knowingly collect information from children.

Changes to This Policy

I'll update this page if my practices change. The "Last Updated" date at the top will reflect any changes.

Legal Basis (GDPR)

If you're in the EU, my legal basis for processing your data is your consent—you opted in when you subscribed.

Contact Me

Questions? Email me! me [circle a] hannahap [point] com

Compliance

This privacy policy complies with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• CAN-SPAM Act
• Mailgun's Acceptable Use Policy

Last Updated: November 2, 2025

The Basics

By subscribing to my newsletter or using this website, you agree to these terms. Don't be a jerk, and I won't be either.

The Newsletter

Subscription: When you subscribe, you're opting in to receive my newsletter. I'll send it at my discretion.

Unsubscribe: Every email has an unsubscribe link. Use it anytime. No hard feelings.

Content: Newsletter content is for your personal use. Don't republish entire newsletters without permission, but feel free to share excerpts with credit.

Website Content

Copyright: All content on this blog (articles, images, etc.) belongs to me unless otherwise noted. You can:

• Read it
• Share links to it
• Quote small portions with attribution

You can't:

• Republish entire posts without permission
• Scrape my content for commercial purposes
• Claim my work as your own

Fair Use: Educational or commentary use with proper attribution is generally fine. When in doubt, ask.

Your Conduct

By using this site and newsletter, you agree not to:

• Abuse my contact forms or newsletter subscription
• Attempt to hack or disrupt my services, server, and/or database
• Harass me or other subscribers
• Violate any applicable laws

Comments

If comments are enabled, be respectful. I reserve the right to moderate or remove comments that are:

• Spam
• Abusive or harassing
• Illegal
• Off-topic or disruptive

Disclaimer

Content Accuracy: I try my best, but I'm human. Content is provided "as is" without warranties. Don't make major life decisions based solely on a blog post.

External Links: I sometimes link to other sites. I am not responsible for their content or practices.

Professional Advice: Nothing here is professional advice (legal, financial, medical, etc.). Consult appropriate professionals for specific advice.

Limitation of Liability

I am not liable for:

• Errors or omissions in content
• Technical issues or downtime
• Any consequences from using (or not using) information from this blog

Email Delivery

I use Mailgun to send newsletters. I am not responsible for:

• Emails caught in spam filters
• Delivery failures due to invalid addresses
• ISP blocking or filtering

Changes to Service

I can:

• Modify or discontinue the newsletter anytime
• Update these terms (I'll note the date)
• Change my content focus or frequency

Account Termination

I reserve the right to refuse service or terminate subscriptions for violations of these terms.

Privacy

See my Privacy Policy for how I handle your data.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota. Any disputes will be resolved in the State of Minnesota.

Severability

If any part of these terms is found invalid, the rest still applies.

Entire Agreement

These terms, along with my Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between us.

Contact

Questions about these terms? Email me at me [circle a] hannahap [point] com.

Acknowledgment

By subscribing or using this website, you acknowledge that you've read and agree to these terms.