Privacy Policy
Last Updated: [2/19/2025]
MiddlingPicks.com (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, MiddlingPicks.com.
By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the site.
1. Intended Audience & Compliance
Disclaimer: U.S. Customers Only
MiddlingPicks.com is intended for users in the United States only. Our services, advertising, and affiliate content are not directed at users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK, or Switzerland. As such, EU consumer laws, including GDPR and redress policies, do not apply to this website.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
2.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily
• When you sign up for newsletters or leave a comment, we may collect your name, email address, and any message you submit.
• If you contact us directly, we may store records of your communication.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit MiddlingPicks.com, we may automatically collect certain data through cookies and tracking technologies, including:
• IP address (anonymized for geolocation)
• Browser type and version
• Device information (e.g., mobile, desktop)
• Pages visited and time spent on the site
• Referring website (where you came from before visiting MiddlingPicks.com)
This data helps us analyze user behavior, improve the website, and enhance user experience.
3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
MiddlingPicks.com uses cookies and GDPR compliant tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience.
3.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that allow websites to recognize you and remember your preferences.
3.2 Types of Cookies We Use
• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the basic functionality of the site. MiddlingPicks runs on the Ghost blogging platform, which may store necessary cookies for session management, authentication, and website functionality. These are essential and cannot be disabled.
• Performance Cookies: Help analyze site traffic and improve content based on user interaction.
• Affiliate Cookies: Track clicks and purchases made through affiliate links (see Section 4).
You can disable cookies through the cookie consent banner, but some features of the website may not function properly.
4. Third-Party Services & Affiliate Links
4.1 CookieYes
We use CookieYes, a privacy-focused cookie consent management tool, to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. It helps manage user consent preferences for cookies and tracking technologies. No personally identifiable information is stored, and all data is processed in accordance with GDPR and other privacy laws.
4.2 Litlyx
We use Litlyx, a privacy-friendly, cookieless analytics tool, to monitor website performance and improve user experience. No personally identifiable information is collected or stored. Data is processed anonymously and complies with GDPR regulations.
4.3 NytroSEO
We use NytroSEO to optimize on-page metadata, enhance search engine visibility, and improve website performance. NytroSEO does not collect personally identifiable information, but it may process anonymized website usage data to help refine SEO performance.
4.4 Advertising & Affiliate Programs
MiddlingPicks participates in affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon Associates and other third-party networks. Clicking on an affiliate link may result in a commission for us at no extra cost to you. These third-party sites may collect data based on your interactions.
For transparency, we:
- Display affiliate disclosure and affiliate links within content
- Cannot guarantee product availability or quality
- Do not have control over external sites’ privacy policies
5. Data Sharing & Third-Party Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data except:
• If required by law (e.g., government request, legal compliance)
• If necessary for security, fraud prevention, or protecting our rights
6. Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no online platform is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Rights & Choices
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:
• Access, update, or delete your personal data
• Opt out of email communications (unsubscribe links are included in emails)
• Disable cookies through cookie consent banner and browser settings
• Request data deletion by contacting us
8. External Links
MiddlingPicks.com may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content, privacy policies, or security practices. Please review their policies before engaging with external sites.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected on this page, and the “Last Updated” date will be revised accordingly. Continued use of the site after updates constitutes acceptance of the changes.