Last updated: 8 April 2026 Owner: Stephen Ruppe Contact: stephenruppe@gmail.com
1. Overview
This website, stephenruppe.com, is a personal blog run by me, Stephen Ruppe, based in Missouri, USA. I take your privacy seriously and want you to understand what information may be collected when you visit, how it’s used, and what choices you have.
If you ever have questions, you can email me anytime.
2. Information I Collect
I only collect information that helps me run the site, understand traffic, or communicate with readers.
Information collected automatically
When you visit the site, certain information is collected automatically, such as:
- Your IP address
- Your browser type
- Pages you visit
- How long you stay
- General location (city/state level)
- Device type
This happens through Google Analytics 4, which uses cookies to understand how people use the site.
Information you may choose to give
In the future, you may be able to:
- Subscribe to an email newsletter (possibly through Substack or a form on this site)
- Leave comments using WordPress’s built‑in comment system
If you choose to do either, I may collect:
- Your name (optional)
- Your email address
- Your comment text (if comments are enabled)
I will update this policy if these features go live.
3. Cookies
This site uses cookies for:
- Google Analytics
- Affiliate link tracking (Amazon, Sweetwater, and similar programs)
- Basic site functionality
You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.
4. How Your Information Is Used
I use the information collected to:
- Understand which posts people read
- Improve the site
- Fix technical issues
- Respond to emails or comments
- Send newsletters (if you sign up)
I do not sell your information.
5. Embedded Content
Some pages may include embedded YouTube videos from my channel. YouTube may collect data about your interaction with the video, according to their own privacy policy.
6. Affiliate Links
Some posts may contain affiliate links to Amazon, Sweetwater, or similar retailers. These links may use cookies to track purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are useful.
A full affiliate disclosure is available on a separate page.
7. Third‑Party Services
This site may interact with:
- Google Analytics 4
- YouTube (Google)
- Affiliate programs (Amazon, Sweetwater, etc.)
- Substack (if used for newsletters)
Each service has its own privacy policy.
8. Your Choices
You can:
- Disable cookies in your browser
- Unsubscribe from emails at any time
- Request that I delete any personal information you’ve provided
Just email me at stephenruppe@gmail.com.
9. Children’s Privacy
This site is not intended for children under 13, and I do not knowingly collect information from them.
10. Updates to This Policy
I may update this policy as the site grows. The “Last updated” date will always tell you when changes were made.