Effective October 5, 2026
Diary of an American Girl (“the blog,” “I,” “me”) is a personal blog at diaryofanamericangirl.com, written by Shirley. This policy explains what information the blog collects when you visit, how it’s used, and the choices you have. The short version: I collect as little as I can, I never sell it, and I don’t run ads.
Comments
When you comment. I collect the name, email address and website you enter, plus your IP address and browser information, to help catch spam. Your name and website appear publicly with your comment. Your email address never does.
When you subscribe. If you sign up for new posts by email, I collect your email address. It’s stored with WordPress and used only to send you posts and occasional updates about the blog. Every email has an unsubscribe link.
When you contact me or submit a story. If you write to me or send a story for the blog, I keep what you send and the contact details you include so I can reply. I will never publish a submitted story, or your name, without your permission. If you ask to stay anonymous, I’ll remove details that identify you before anything is published.
Site statistics. Koko Analytics counts visits and shows which pages people read. I use this only to understand what readers find useful.
Cookies
WordPress sets a few small cookies:
- If you leave a comment, you can choose to save your name, email and website in a cookie so you don’t have to retype them. It lasts one year.
- If you have an account and log in, temporary cookies keep you logged in. These are only for me and anyone I give an account to.
The blog doesn’t use advertising or tracking cookies.
Embedded content
Posts may include embedded content such as videos, images or posts from other websites. Embedded content behaves as if you visited that website directly, and that website may collect data about you and use its own cookies.
Who we share your data with
I don’t sell, rent or trade your information. It’s shared only with the services that keep the blog running:
- Microsoft Azure, which hosts the blog and sends its automated emails
- MailPoet, if you subscribe
- Koko Analystics
I’ll also disclose information if the law requires it.
How long we retain your data
Comments and their details are kept as long as the comment stays on the blog, so later comments from you can be approved automatically. Subscriber emails are kept until you unsubscribe. Messages and story submissions are kept as long as I need them to reply or publish, or until you ask me to delete them.
Your choices and rights
You can ask me to show you, correct or delete the information I hold about you, including your comments. Email hello@diaryofanamericangirl.com and I’ll respond within 30 days. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under laws such as the GDPR or California’s privacy laws, and I’ll honor those requests too.
Children
The blog is written for adults and is not directed at children under 13. I don’t knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has sent me personal information, contact me and I’ll delete it.
Security
The blog uses an encrypted (HTTPS) connection, and I take reasonable steps to protect your information. No website is perfectly secure, though, so I can’t guarantee it.
Changes to this policy
If I change this policy, I’ll update the date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be announced on the blog.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email hello@diaryofanamericangirl.com.