Privacy

Privacy Policy.

Last updated · June 19, 2026

This site (charlesmcquain.dev) is a personal website and newsletter operated by Charles McQuain from Texas, USA. This policy explains what limited personal data the site collects, why, and the choices you have. No dark patterns — the honest version.

What I collect and why

Your email address. When you subscribe to my newsletter or request the book resource pack, you give me your email. It's stored and managed by Buttondown, my email provider, and used only to send the newsletter and the resources you asked for. Subscribing uses double opt-in — you confirm via a link before you receive anything.

Aggregate usage analytics. I use Google Analytics to see mostly-anonymous, aggregate information about how the site is used — pages viewed, approximate location, device and browser. It helps me understand what's useful. Analytics run, and cookies are set, only if you accept them (see Cookies and consent below).

Standard server logs. My hosting provider automatically logs ordinary technical information (such as IP address, request time, and user agent) to serve the site and protect against abuse — as virtually every website does.

What I don't collect

• No accounts, passwords, or payment details are collected on this site.
• I don't ask for your name — the subscribe form needs only an email.
• I don't track you across other sites or build advertising profiles.

Cookies and consent

The site is built to be essentially cookieless. The one exception is Google Analytics, and it stays off until you allow it. On your first visit a banner asks whether to enable analytics: nothing is set unless you choose "Accept," and choosing "Reject" keeps analytics cookieless. You can change your mind anytime with the "Cookie settings" link in the footer. The newsletter form is cookieless either way.

Affiliate links

Some pages — notably the book companion page — contain affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; the merchant (not me) handles that transaction and any data you provide there. Affiliate links are marked and disclosed near the links.

Who I share data with

I don't sell your personal data — ever. I share the minimum necessary with the service providers that run this site on my behalf: Buttondown (email), Google Analytics (usage measurement), and my hosting provider. Each processes data under its own privacy terms. I may also disclose data if genuinely required by law.

Your choices and rights

• Unsubscribe — every newsletter email has a one-click unsubscribe link. Leave anytime; any resources you've already downloaded stay yours.
• Opt out of analytics — use a tracker blocker or your browser's privacy controls.
• Access or deletion — email me and I'll access, correct, or delete the data I hold about you (essentially your email subscription).
• Depending on where you live (e.g. the EU/UK under GDPR, or California under the CCPA/CPRA), you may have additional rights — email me and I'll honor applicable requests.

Data retention

I keep your email for as long as you're subscribed. If you unsubscribe, Buttondown keeps a suppression record so you aren't accidentally re-added; you can ask me to delete it entirely. Analytics data follows Google Analytics' standard retention settings.

Children's privacy

This site isn't directed at children, and I don't knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 16. If you believe a child has subscribed, email me and I'll remove it.

Changes to this policy

I may update this policy as the site evolves. I'll change the "last updated" date above; significant changes that affect subscribers may also be noted in the newsletter.

Contact

Questions about privacy or your data? Email charlesmcquain@gmail.com.