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PRIVACY POLICY

The Allison Paige | Honest Ink

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

The Straight Talk Version

I take your privacy seriously. This policy explains the information I collect, why I collect it, how I use it, and your rights. I don’t sell your data. I don’t share it unless you’ve asked me to or unless I’m legally required to. And I’m as transparent as I can be about what happens with your information.

If you have questions, ask. My contact information is at the bottom of this policy.


1. WHO THIS APPLIES TO

This Privacy Policy applies to:

  • The Allison Paige Substack publication (newsletter and website)

  • Digital products sold through Gumroad or other platforms

  • Social media interactions on platforms where I maintain a presence (Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Pinterest)

  • Email communications you receive from me

  • Any other services I provide under The Allison Paige brand

Who I Am:

  • Legal name: Allison Paige Ratkovich

  • Brand name: The Allison Paige

  • Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

  • Contact: apaige463@gmail.com


2. INFORMATION I COLLECT

Information You Give Me Directly

When you subscribe to my newsletter:

  • Email address (required)

  • Name (optional but helpful)

  • Any other information you choose to provide in your profile

When you purchase a digital product:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Payment information (processed by third-party payment processors - I don’t see or store your full credit card numbers)

  • Billing address (if required by the payment processor)

When you contact me:

  • Whatever information you include in your message (email address, name, any details you share)

When you comment or engage:

  • Username or name

  • Email address (if required by the platform)

  • Any content you post publicly

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit my Substack or website:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device type

  • Pages visited and time spent

  • Referring website

  • General location (city/state level, not your exact address)

Cookies and Similar Technologies:

  • Substack and other platforms I use may place cookies on your device

  • These help with functionality, analytics, and improving user experience

  • You can control cookies through your browser settings


3. HOW I USE YOUR INFORMATION

I use your information to:

Provide Services:

  • Send you the newsletter you subscribed to

  • Deliver the digital products you purchased

  • Respond to your questions or comments

  • Provide customer support

Improve Content:

  • Understand what content resonates with readers

  • Analyze how people engage with my writing

  • Make decisions about future topics and products

Communicate:

  • Send updates about new essays, products, or offerings

  • Notify you of important changes to services or policies

  • Respond to feedback or inquiries

Legal and Safety:

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Protect against fraud or abuse

  • Enforce my terms of service

What I DON’T Do:

  • I don’t sell your personal information to third parties

  • I don’t send spam or share your email with marketers

  • I don’t use your information for purposes you haven’t agreed to


4. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES I USE

I work with trusted third-party services to operate my business. These services may collect and process your information in accordance with their own privacy policies.

Substack (Newsletter Platform)

  • Hosts my newsletter and website

  • Processes email subscriptions

  • Handles email delivery

  • Collects analytics

  • Privacy Policy: https://substack.com/privacy

Gumroad (Digital Product Sales)

  • Processes payments for digital products

  • Delivers purchased products

  • Handles customer accounts

  • Privacy Policy: https://gumroad.com/privacy

Google Analytics (Website Analytics)

  • Tracks website traffic and user behavior

  • Provides insights into content performance

  • Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Social Media Platforms

  • Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Pinterest

  • Each platform collects data according to its own policies

  • I recommend reviewing the privacy policy of any platform where you interact with me

Email Service Providers

  • May use services like Gmail or other email platforms for direct communication

  • These services have their own privacy policies

Payment Processors

  • Stripe, PayPal, or other processors used by Gumroad

  • I don’t have access to your full payment card information

  • These processors maintain their own security standards


5. HOW I PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

Security Measures:

  • I use secure, reputable third-party platforms with strong security practices

  • I limit access to personal information to only what’s necessary

  • I don’t store payment information - that’s handled by secure payment processors

  • I regularly review and update security practices

Limitations: No system is 100% secure. While I take reasonable precautions, I can’t guarantee absolute security. If you become aware of any security breach, please contact me immediately.


6. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

You have the right to:

Access Your Information:

  • Request a copy of the personal information I have about you

  • Ask questions about how your data is used

Correct Your Information:

  • Update your email address or other details

  • Correct any inaccurate information

Delete Your Information:

  • Unsubscribe from my newsletter at any time

  • Request deletion of your account and associated data

  • Note: I may need to retain some information for legal or legitimate business purposes

Opt-Out of Communications:

  • Unsubscribe links are in every email I send

  • You can also contact me directly to be removed from communications

Limit Data Collection:

  • Use browser settings to block cookies

  • Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms

  • Use email privacy tools

How to Exercise These Rights:

  • For newsletter: Use the unsubscribe link in any email

  • For products: Contact the platform where you made your purchase

  • For general requests: Email me at apaige463@gmail.com


7. DATA RETENTION

How Long I Keep Your Information:

Active Subscribers:

  • As long as you remain subscribed to my newsletter

  • As long as you maintain an account with my product platforms

Past Subscribers:

  • I may retain some information for legitimate business purposes (e.g., to honor unsubscribe requests)

  • Financial records retained as required by tax laws (typically 7 years)

Purchased Products:

  • Purchase records retained for customer service and legal compliance

  • Access to purchased products is maintained indefinitely (unless the product is discontinued)

Deletion Requests:

  • I’ll respond to deletion requests within 30 days

  • Some information may be retained in backups for a limited time

  • Legal obligations may require retention of certain records


8. INTERNATIONAL USERS

I’m based in the United States. If you’re accessing my content from outside the US, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

By using my services, you consent to this transfer. The US may have different data protection laws from those in your country.


9. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

My content and services are not directed at children under 13. I don’t knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If you’re a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided me with personal information, please contact me immediately. I’ll delete such information promptly.


10. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS (CCPA RIGHTS)

If you’re a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Right to Know:

  • What personal information I collect

  • Categories of sources

  • Business purpose for collection

  • Categories of third parties I share with

Right to Delete:

  • Request deletion of your personal information

Right to Opt-Out:

  • Opt-out of “sale” of personal information (note: I don’t sell personal information)

Right to Non-Discrimination:

  • I won’t discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights

How to Exercise CCPA Rights: Contact me at apaige463@gmail.com with “CCPA Request” in the subject line.


11. EUROPEAN USERS (GDPR)

If you’re in the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK, or Switzerland, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Legal Basis for Processing:

  • Consent: You’ve given permission (e.g., subscribing to a newsletter)

  • Contract: Necessary to provide the services you’ve requested

  • Legitimate Interests: Improving my content and services

  • Legal Obligation: Compliance with laws

Your GDPR Rights:

  • Right to access your data

  • Right to rectification

  • Right to erasure (”right to be forgotten”)

  • Right to restrict processing

  • Right to data portability

  • Right to object to processing

  • Right to withdraw consent

Data Transfers: I’m based in the US, which may not have the same data protection laws as your country. By using my services, you acknowledge this transfer.

How to Exercise GDPR Rights: Contact me at apaige463@gmail.com with “GDPR Request” in the subject line.


12. DO NOT TRACK SIGNALS

Some browsers have “Do Not Track” features. Currently, there’s no industry standard for responding to these signals. I don’t alter my data collection practices in response to Do Not Track signals at this time.


13. LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES

My content may include links to other websites, resources, or services. This Privacy Policy applies only to The Allison Paige brand and services.

I’m not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. I encourage you to read the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.


14. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

  • Changes in my practices

  • Changes in applicable laws

  • New features or services

  • Feedback from users

When I make changes:

  • I’ll update the “Last Updated” date at the top

  • For significant changes, I’ll notify subscribers via email or newsletter

  • Continued use of my services after changes constitutes acceptance

Your Responsibility: Please review this policy periodically to stay informed about how I protect your information.


15. CONTACT ME

Questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy?

Email: apaige463@gmail.com

Mail: Allison Paige Ratkovich
The Allison Paige
1018 North Caldwell Street #238
Charlotte, NC 28206

Response Time: I’ll respond to privacy requests within 30 days.


16. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Legitimate Interests: When I process data based on legitimate interests, those interests include:

  • Providing and improving my content and services

  • Understanding my audience to create more relevant content

  • Preventing fraud and maintaining security

  • Communicating with subscribers about content and products

Automated Decision-Making: I don’t use automated decision-making or profiling that has legal or significant effects on you.

Complaints: If you believe I’ve mishandled your personal information, you have the right to file a complaint with:

  • Your local data protection authority (if in EU/EEA)

  • California Attorney General (if California resident)

  • Federal Trade Commission (US residents)


THE BOTTOM LINE

I built The Allison Paige brand on honesty and authenticity. That extends to how I handle your information. I collect the information I need to provide the services you’ve requested. I protect it. I don’t sell it. And I respect your right to control it.

If something in this policy concerns you or doesn’t make sense, ask me. I’d rather have a conversation than have you worry about your privacy.

Honest Ink means being straight with you - including about data privacy.

—Allison


This Privacy Policy is effective as of February 1, 2026.