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Privacy Policy for Backroad Weekly

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Effective date: July 24, 2025

Last updated: Sept 12, 2025

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Hi! It’s Caitlan—the human (and founder) behind this delightful little local newsletter. I value your privacy almost as much as I value a screened-in porch (which is saying something because I’m a mosquito magnet).
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By subscribing to the newsletter or interacting with the site, you agree to the terms of this privacy policy. So here is the rundown on what I do (and don’t do) with your info.
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What We Collect

• Email address: When you subscribe, I collect your email so I can send you the newsletter. You can stop rolling your eyes. I know it’s obvious. But legalities… you know? I gots to say it.
• Name (optional): If you ever give me your name, I might use it to say “Hello, Barb!” in the email greeting. Otherwise, it’s just collecting dust.
• Event or business submissions: If you submit content for the newsletter, I keep it on file in case I need to follow up or feature it.
• Emails and replies: If you ever hit "reply" on a newsletter to say hi, share a story, or ask a question, first of all, yay! I love that. Just know your message (and whatever info you include, like your name or hometown) might be seen by me and stored in my inbox (hi@backroadweekly.com). I will never share anything publicly without asking you first.
• Testimonials and shout-outs: If you send in a kind word about the newsletter (bless you), I might ask to feature it in a future issue or on the website. I’ll always get your OK before using it. You will have an opportunity to decline. Pinky promise.
• Email engagement: I keep an eye on things like open rates and link clicks to understand what y’all are loving (and what’s falling flat). If you click on a sponsored link, I may share anonymized click numbers with the sponsor, not your name or email, just how many folks were interested in the ad.

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Backroad Weekly isn’t intended for kids under 13. I don’t knowingly collect personal info from anyone that young, even if it’s just an email address. If you want to share it with your kids, that’s lovely. Just forward it to them instead, so their data stays safe.

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What I Don’t Do

I do not sell, rent, trade, or give away your email addresses to any third parties. Not even the guy at the farmer’s market who tries to trade me essential oils for ad space.

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Payment Info

If you choose to support the newsletter financially, like through a paid subscription, the tip jar, buying ad space, purchasing physical merch, purchasing digital products, etc. (first of all: you legend), your payment details are handled securely through a third-party payment processor (Kit + Stripe or Sponsy + Stripe). I never see your full credit card number. I see basic info like your name, email, and how much you paid (so I can properly worship you and/or send you a thank-you gift if that ever becomes a thing).

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All payment info is encrypted and managed according to the highest industry security standards by the payment platform, not by me, personally, because frankly, I can’t even remember my own wi-fi password.

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Who can see your info?

Just me. And if I hire someone to help someday, I’ll make them sign a legal agreement to keep your info safe.

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Third-party Tools

This newsletter uses a platform called Kit to send your emails. Kit has its own privacy policies and may collect data like IP addresses or device info when you open an email or click a link.

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If you click on a link to another website, I can’t be responsible for what they do with your info. Don’t yell at me if Uncle Jack’s Bourbon Blog installs 53 cookies on your browser.

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Cookies

Cookies? Only the digital kind. I don’t personally set any cookies on your device, but third-party platforms might. That’s how the internet works these days. You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you want.

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Unsubscribing

You can unsubscribe any time by clicking the link at the bottom of the email. No guilt trips. I’ll just sit here quietly and stare out the window, wondering what went wrong.

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Changes to This Policy

If I change anything, I’ll let you know via email, and I’ll update the date on this page.

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Contact Me

Got questions? Ideas? An insider scoop on some hidden gem for the outdoorsy? Email me at ​hi@backroadweekly.com​.
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This policy is governed by the laws of the United States and the state of Missouri.

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