Legal

FTC Disclosure Policy

Some of the books featured on The Sketchy Reader have been provided by the publisher via TLC Book Tours,  or directly from publishers or authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.  These books and Advanced Reader's Copies (ARC's) of books are sent to me to read and then write an honest review about them that I post here on the blog and on other social media like Goodreads, Instagram, and Litsy. ARC's are of no monetary value because they cannot be resold.  Rarely I receive print books which are not ARC's, and are either softcover or hardcover books.  They are only as valuable as any other used book.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews.  I tag and disclose which books were gifted to me and the source of said books at the end of the posts through a disclosure statement.  If there isn't a disclosure statement in the text of the post I either bought the book or checked it out from my local library.  All of my reviews state my honest opinion of the books I've read regardless of their source.

It must be noted that I do try to choose books to review that I think I'll like because life is too short to read books that one dislikes, and I hate to "abandon" a book.  (Abandoning a book means you put a book down and don't finish reading it.)

Occasionally I host "giveaways" on my blog, and I always disclose the provider of the prizes. Technically these "giveaways" are sweepstakes (that's the legal term) because no purchase is necessary, and the prize winner is chosen randomly.

I have had one affiliate link on my sidebar that links directly to the Indie Next List.  I feel strongly about supporting independent bookstores in our communities.  If a reader links to Indie Bound via my blog and purchases a book I will receive a commission.

I also have affiliate links to IndieBound for individual books I write about on my blog.  If anyone should link over and purchase a book, I will receive a small commission.

Unfortunately I have never made a dime via IndieBound.  Clearly, the main reason for these links is to promote independent bookstores.

I currently have an affiliate link for the MacKenzie-Childs loyalty program.  Should anyone use the link to sign-up, I receive loyalty points, not cash compensation.  The loyalty program is explanined on the MacKenzie-Childs website HERE.


Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which The Sketchy Reader collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the https://ricki-treleaven.com website ("Site").

Personal identification information

We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.  An example of this would be using your name, email, and website URL for signing-in to leave comments on blog posts.  Also, please remember that you can read this blog anonymously and post a comment anonymously.  However, it's the blog owners' right to decide whether or not anonymous comments are published as ALL comments are moderated.

Non-personal identification information

We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.

Web browser cookies

Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.

How we use collected information

The Sketchy Reader may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

• To personalize user experience, especially leaving comments on blog posts
  We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.

Blog Comments

Love something you read on my blog? Then leaving a comment is a great way to do that! I personally love hearing your feedback. If you choose to leave a comment on a blog post, then please be aware that the comment is then public and visible to anyone who reads the comment section. Your email address is never shared or disclosed, but your name and comment will be visible to others.

It is highly recommended that you avoid leaving detailed personal information in your comments.

I reserve the right to remove comments deemed as inappropriate, threatening, profane, or spammy without notice.

Sharing your personal information

We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others.  If you willing link to IndieBound from this site, then keep in mind that you will then be subject to IndieBound's user and privacy policy.  This is true of any other link from this site, including but not limited too linking to MacKenzie-Childs and their loyalty program.  If a user decides to sign-up for this loyalty program via my link, I will receive loyalty points from MacKenzie-Childs.  There is no monetary compensation for using my link to MacKenzie-Childs.

Electronic newsletters

If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.

Our newsletter is currently sent via TinyLetter.  When a subscribers uses TinyLetter's double opt-in signup forms,  the process requires a subscriber to click a button and confirm their email address. Behind the scenes, TinyLetter tracks the date and time of each action, so that we have verified permission.  We make it easy for subscribers to our TinyLetter to unsubscribe as the unsubscribe button is clearly located at the bottom of every TinyLetter newsletter sent to their inboxes.

Third party websites

Users may find advertising or other content on our Site that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website's own terms and policies.  See comments concerning IndieBound and MacKenzie-Childs in "Sharing Your Personal Information" section, above.

Social Media Privacy

The Sketchy Reader uses various social media platforms. The Sketchy Reader is not responsible for what you post on The Sketchy Reader's social media channels.  The Sketchy Reader also isn't responsible for readers' social media shares of blog posts.

Compliance with children's online privacy protection act

Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our Site from those we actually know are under 13, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 13.

Changes to this privacy policy

The Sketchy Reader has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

Your acceptance of these terms

By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes. This privacy policy was partially built using the https://PrivacyPolicies.com generator.

Contacting us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us via email.  The email icon is located on the sidebar of this blog.


This document was last updated on January 13, 2020.