Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 27, 2026

Thanks for reading. This page explains, in plain language, what information In the Clouds collects when you visit, what I do with it, and the choices you have. In the Clouds is a personal blog run by Chris McKean.

The short version

I collect as little as possible. If you subscribe, I keep your email so I can send you posts. I don't sell your information to anyone, ever. You can unsubscribe or ask me to delete your data at any time.

Information I collect

When you subscribe. If you sign up to follow the blog, I collect your email address (and your name, if you choose to give it). I use this only to send you new posts and the occasional update.

When you comment. Commenting requires a free account, which uses that same email address.

When you contact me. If you email me or use the contact form, I'll have whatever you choose to put in that message. The contact form is handled by Formspree, which forwards your message to my inbox.

Automatically. Like most websites, basic privacy-friendly analytics record general, non-identifying information — which pages are popular, roughly where visitors come from. These are provided by my host and are designed not to track you personally across the web.

Cookies

A cookie is a small file a website stores in your browser. In the Clouds uses only the essential cookies needed to run the site — for example, to keep you signed in if you have an account. I don't use advertising or cross-site tracking cookies.

How I use your information

  • To send you posts and updates you signed up for
  • To let you comment and manage your account
  • To reply when you contact me
  • To understand, in aggregate, what content is useful so I can write better

The newsletter

When you subscribe, posts are delivered by email through my hosting provider's email service. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can leave whenever you like — no hard feelings.

Affiliate links

Some links on the Books page (and occasionally within posts) are Amazon or Audible affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. If you click one, Amazon or Audible may set its own cookies and collect information under its own privacy policy, which I don't control.

Services I rely on

  • Magic Pages / Ghost — website hosting and the subscription and email system
  • Amazon and Audible — for the affiliate links described above (Audible is an Amazon company)
  • Formspree — delivers messages sent through the contact form

Keeping your data, and for how long

I keep your subscriber information for as long as you're subscribed. If you unsubscribe or ask me to delete it, I remove it. I take reasonable steps to protect the information I hold, though no method of storing data online is ever completely secure.

Your choices and rights

  • Unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email
  • Ask me what information I hold about you
  • Ask me to correct or delete it

Depending on where you live (for example, under GDPR in Europe or the CCPA in California), you may have additional rights along these lines. Just email me and I'll help.

Children

In the Clouds isn't directed at children under 13, and I don't knowingly collect information from them.

Changes to this policy

If I change how I handle information, I'll update this page and change the "last updated" date above.

Contact

Questions about your privacy or this policy? Get in touch through my contact page.