Last Updated: June 17, 2026
As an independent researcher documenting the Borthwick Valley and wider social structures, I believe in radical transparency. My research is built on observation, not surveillance. This policy explains what data I collect, why I collect it, and your rights regarding that information.
1. The Data I Collect
I minimise the data I collect to only what is necessary to maintain this site and communicate with my readers.
- Newsletter Subscriptions: If you choose to subscribe to my research updates, I collect your email address. This is stored securely via my Ghost platform and is used solely to send you my latest investigations and observations.
- Analytics: I may use anonymised analytics to understand how my research is reaching people. This helps me see which topics—like the "Toxic Village" investigation—resonate with my audience. These analytics are configured to respect your privacy and do not track you across the wider web.
- Laboratory of Inquiry: If you register for the Laboratory of Inquiry forum, I collect the information you choose to provide, such as your username and email, to facilitate our collaborative discussions.
2. How I Use Your Data
I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Your data is used for:
- Delivering the content you have requested (e.g., newsletters).
- Facilitating the intellectual exchange on the Laboratory of Inquiry forum.
- Improving the site based on anonymised traffic patterns.
3. Third-Party Services
I use Ghost as my primary hosting and publishing platform. You can review Ghost’s own privacy commitments on their website. If I use other tools in the future (such as for video hosting or mailing lists), I will update this policy to ensure you are fully informed.
4. Your Rights
You are the owner of your data. You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data I hold about you.
- Correction: Ask me to correct any inaccuracies in your data.
- Deletion: Ask me to delete your personal data (e.g., unsubscribing from the newsletter or closing your forum account).
- Withdraw Consent: You can opt-out of newsletters or forum participation at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" or contacting me directly.
5. Contacting Me
If you have any questions about how your data is handled or wish to exercise your rights, please reach out to me directly via my contact form.