Last Updated: November 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Ruman Neupane's Blog ("I," "me," "my," or the "Website"). This is a personal blog created by me, Ruman Neupane, as an independent creator. I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience visiting my blog.

About This Website: I am building and maintaining this website myself. I am not a professional web developer or data privacy expert. While I strive to implement best practices for data security and privacy, this is a personal project. I do my best with the tools and platforms available to me.

Important Disclaimer: If you prefer not to have your information collected while reading my blog, you can:

• Read my content without interacting with forms or subscriptions
• Browse as an anonymous visitor
• Use privacy browser extensions to limit tracking

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit my blog. Please read it carefully.

2. About Me & This Blog

Website Owner: Ruman Neupane (individual creator)

Website Name: Ruman Neupane - Existential Observer

Website Purpose: A personal blog sharing thoughts on philosophy, books, movies, and existential reflection

Domain Registrar: Squarespace (domain registration and management)

Hosting Platform: Blogger (Google's blogging platform)

Coding Note: I am not a professional programmer. I built this website myself using Blogger's tools and templates, with some custom code I learned independently. If you notice any issues or have concerns about how your data is handled, please reach out to me directly.

🔍 NEW FEATURE NOTICE (November 2025):

I recently added a "Trending Posts" feature to my search bar. When you click the search box, you'll see popular posts. I track:

- What you search for

- Which trending posts you click

This helps me understand what content matters to you. The data is anonymous unless you've identified yourself elsewhere. You can opt-out by simply not using the search feature.

3. Information I Collect

3.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide

Newsletter Subscription

• Your Email Address: When you subscribe to my newsletter, I collect your email
• Your Preference: Whether you want to subscribe to "NakedRead" (my weekly Substack newsletter)
• What I Do With It: I send you updates about new blog posts and philosophical content
• How Long I Keep It: Until you unsubscribe
• Can You Opt-Out?: Yes, anytime - just click the unsubscribe link in any email

Book Interest Popup (Welcome Modal)

• What Data I Collect: Your email address (ONLY if you click "I'm Interested")
• What I DON'T Collect: If you click "Maybe Later" or the X button - NO data is collected
• Where It Goes: To me via Web3Forms email notification
• What I Do With It: I get notified that you're interested in my books and may send you book-related information
• How Long I Keep It: Until you ask me to delete it
• Consent Notice: The popup now includes a link to this Privacy Policy so you can read it BEFORE clicking "I'm Interested"
• How to Opt-Out: Email me to be removed from book interest communications

Blog Comments & Discussions

• Your Name & Email: If you leave a comment on my blog posts
• Your Comment Text: The actual comment you write
• What I Do With It: I display your comment on the blog so other readers can see it and join the discussion
• How Long I Keep It: Indefinitely (comments are part of the blog content)
• Can You Delete It?: Email me and I can remove your comment

Interactive Features (Claps, Reactions, Gifts)

• What You Interact With: When you clap 👏, react with emojis, or send a gift message
• Your Information: Your name, email (for some features), and what you reacted to
• What I Do With It: I know you engaged with my content and can see which posts resonate with readers
• How Long I Keep It: 30 days in your browser, then it clears
• Where It's Stored: Mostly in your browser's local storage (your computer)

Contact Form

• Your Name, Email & Message: When you contact me directly through the contact page
• What I Do With It: I read it and respond to you
• How Long I Keep It: As long as needed to respond and for record-keeping
• Can You Delete It?: Email me and I'll delete the exchange

3.2 Information I Automatically Collect

Your IP Address

• What It Is: A unique number that identifies your internet connection
• Why I Collect It: Through the ipify service, so I know unique readers (not the same person clicking clap multiple times)
• What I Can See: Your general location and ISP, but NOT your home address or identity
• How Long I Keep It: About 30 days for analytics

Browser & Device Information

• What I Collect: Browser type, device type (phone/computer/tablet), operating system
• Why I Collect It: To understand what devices my readers use and fix compatibility issues
• How Long I Keep It: 12 months for analytics
• Privacy Note: I can't identify you personally from this data

What Pages You Visit

• What I Collect: Which blog posts you read, how long you read them, what you click
• Why I Collect It: To know which topics interest my readers most
• How Long I Keep It: 12 months
• Privacy Note: I see patterns, not individuals

Read Count Display

• Important Note: The "read count" numbers shown on posts are randomly generated for display purposes only
• They Are NOT Real: I use them to show social proof, but they don't represent actual page views
• Why I Do This: To make posts look engaging (a small creative liberty I take)

3.3 Cookies & Browser Storage

• Cookies: Small files that remember if you clapped on a post (so you can't spam claps)
• Local Storage: Your browser saves which posts you clapped/reacted to
• Duration: These clear after 30 days or when you clear your browser data
• How to Clear: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → Check "Cookies" and "Cached images/files"

4. Third-Party Services I Use

4.1 Web3Forms (Updated)

What It Is: A service I use to receive your form submissions, emails, AND search tracking data

What Data Goes There: 

  - Your email, name, and any messages from forms

  - Your search queries

  - Your trending post clicks

  - Page URLs and timestamps

Why I Use It: I'm not a programmer, and this is the simplest way for me to receive notifications from my website

Their Privacy: Check their policy at https://web3forms.com/privacy

Important: Web3Forms stores your data on their servers for 90 days, not mine

Data Retention: They automatically delete data after 90 days

4.2 Blogger (Google)

• What It Is: The platform that hosts and runs my entire blog
• What Data They See: All your interactions on my blog
• Why I Use It: I'm an individual creator, and Blogger is free, reliable, and beginner-friendly
• Their Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Data Location: Google stores everything globally on their servers

4.3 Squarespace (Domain Registration)

• What It Is: The company that registered my domain name (rumanneupane.com)
• What They Know: That you visit my website (they see domain traffic)
• Why I Use It: Easy domain management and registration
• Their Privacy: Check https://www.squarespace.com/privacy

4.4 Amazon Associates

• What It Is: When you click links to buy my books on Amazon
• What Amazon Knows: That you clicked from my blog (so I might earn a small commission)
• Their Privacy: Review https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GLSBYFE9NGXLW24M

4.5 Substack (NakedRead Newsletter)

• What It Is: The platform where I send my weekly "NakedRead" newsletter
• What Data Goes There: Your email if you subscribe
• Why I Use It: Professional newsletter platform, I use it separately from my blog
• Their Privacy: https://substack.com/privacy

4.6 Buy Me a Coffee

• What It Is: Where readers can send me coffee donations
• What Data They Collect: Your email and payment info if you donate
• Their Privacy: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/privacy

4.7 ipify (IP Address Detection)

• What It Is: A simple service that tells me your IP address
• Why I Use It: So I can track unique users (not let one person spam claps)
• What They Know: Your IP address only
• Their Privacy: https://www.ipify.org/privacy

5. How I Use Your Information

I use the information you provide for these purposes:

1. Sending You Emails: Newsletter updates, responses to contact inquiries
2. Displaying Comments: Showing your comments on blog posts
3. Engagement Tracking: Knowing which posts get the most claps/reactions
4. Understanding My Readers: Seeing what topics you care about most
5. Improving My Content: Writing more about topics you engage with
6. Responding to You: Replying to messages and questions
7. Analytics: Understanding traffic patterns and device types
8. Security: Preventing spam and abuse
9. Book Promotion: Telling you about my published books (if you opt-in)
10. Understanding Search Behavior: Seeing what topics you search for to create better content
11. Improving Navigation: Knowing if readers can find what they're looking for
12. Content Ideas: Using search queries to identify topics I should write about
13. Trending Curation: Deciding which posts to feature in the trending dropdown
14. Reader Analytics: Understanding engagement patterns with trending content

I Do NOT:

• Sell your data to anyone
• Share your email with third parties (except Web3Forms for form processing)
• Use your data for targeted advertising
• Create detailed profiles about you
• Track you across other websites

6. Data Storage & Security

6.1 Where Your Data Is Stored

• Blog Content: On Blogger (Google's servers)
• Comments: On Blogger
• Emails from Forms: On Web3Forms servers initially, then forwarded to me
• Newsletter Emails: On my personal email account and Substack's servers
• Your Browser Data: In your computer's local storage (claps, reactions)
• Analytics: Google Analytics and Blogger's analytics

6.2 Security Measures I Take

• HTTPS Encryption: All data sent to my blog is encrypted (you see the 🔒 lock in your browser)
• Strong Passwords: My accounts are password-protected
• Third-Party Trust: I rely on Blogger, Web3Forms, and Substack to secure data on their end
• No Credit Cards: I don't store payment information (Buy Me a Coffee handles that)
• Regular Backups: Blogger automatically backs up my content

6.3 Important Security Disclaimer

I must be honest: I am an individual, not a professional cybersecurity expert. While I do my best to keep your data safe, I cannot guarantee 100% security. Risks include:

• Hackers targeting third-party services I use
• My personal account being compromised
• Technical errors I make while coding
• Zero-day vulnerabilities in platforms I use

You assume some risk by providing information to a personal blog. If this concerns you, please don't subscribe or comment.

6.4 Data Breach Notification

If I discover your data has been compromised, I will:

• Email you immediately
• Explain what happened
• Tell you what to do to protect yourself
• Provide any information I have about the breach

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access Your Data

• Right: You can ask me what personal information I have about you
• How to Request: Email me at ruman@rumanneupane.com with subject "Data Access Request"
• Response Time: I'll respond within 30 days

7.2 Delete Your Data

• Right: You can ask me to delete your information
• Exceptions: I may need to keep some data for legal reasons
• How to Request: Email me with subject "Data Deletion Request"
• What I'll Delete:
  • Your email from newsletter list
  • Your comments (I'll remove them from posts)
  • Any form submissions with your info
• What I Can't Delete:
  • Historical backups (Blogger controls these)
  • Data already processed by third parties (Web3Forms, Google)

7.3 Correct Your Data

• Right: You can ask me to fix inaccurate information
• How: Email me with what needs correcting
• Example: "Please update my comment to remove my phone number"

7.4 Unsubscribe from Emails

• Easiest Way: Click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email I send you
• Automatic: You'll be removed within 24 hours
• Or Email Me: nakedread@gmail.com with "Unsubscribe" in subject

7.5 Opt-Out of Tracking

You can:

• Disable cookies in your browser settings
• Use privacy-focused browsers (Firefox, DuckDuckGo)
• Use browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger
• Use "Do Not Track" feature in your browser
• Clear your local storage regularly (removes search history)
• Don't use the search feature - browse by categories instead
• Don't click trending posts - navigate manually
• Block Web3Forms submissions (though this may break form functionality)

7.6 GDPR Rights (If You're in Europe)

If you live in the European Union, you have extra rights under GDPR:

• Right to Access: Know what data I have
• Right to Correction: Fix wrong information
• Right to Erasure: Ask me to delete your data ("Right to Be Forgotten")
• Right to Restrict Processing: Ask me to limit how I use your data
• Right to Portability: Get your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Refuse certain types of data processing
• Withdraw Consent: Take back permission you gave me anytime

How to Exercise These Rights: Email nakedread@gmail.com with "GDPR Request: [specify which right]"

7.7 CCPA Rights (If You're in California)

If you live in California, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to Know: Ask what personal information I've collected
• Right to Delete: Ask me to delete your information
• Right to Opt-Out: Refuse to let me sell your data (I don't sell it anyway)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: I can't treat you unfairly for exercising these rights

How to Request: Email nakedread@gmail.com with "CCPA Request: [specify]"

8. About Reading My Blog Anonymously

You don't need to provide any information to read my blog.

• Browse Freely: You can read all my blog posts without subscribing, commenting, or logging in
• Anonymous Reading: I'll know a reader visited, but not who you are
• No Paywall: All my content is free and accessible
• No Registration Required: You can read everything without creating an account

If you prefer to read anonymously, simply visit the blog and read. Don't fill out forms, don't comment, don't interact with features.

9. Third-Party Links & Websites

My blog links to:

• Amazon (to buy my books)
• Substack (for my newsletter)
• Buy Me a Coffee (for donations)
• Various philosophical resources and references

Important: When you click these links, you leave my blog and go to their websites. Their privacy policies apply to you there, not mine. I'm not responsible for:

• What data they collect
• How they use your information
• Their security practices
• Their content

Always review their privacy policies before giving them information.

10. Data Retention Schedule

How long I keep different types of data:

11. Cookies Explained Simply

What Are Cookies? Small text files that websites save on your computer to remember information about you.

My Cookies:

• Purpose: Remember if you clapped on a post (so you can't cheat)
• Duration: 30 days, then disappears
• Content: Just a number tied to your IP - no personal info
• Tracking: Minimal - just enough to prevent clap spam

How to Clear Cookies:

1. Open your browser settings
2. Go to Privacy or History
3. Click "Clear browsing data"
4. Check "Cookies and site data"
5. Click Clear

12. International Data & Transfers

Because I use Google (Blogger), your data may be stored and processed in multiple countries around the world. This includes:

• United States
• European Union
• Other Google data centers globally

These countries may have different privacy laws than yours. By using my blog, you accept that your data may be transferred internationally.

If you're in a country with strict data protection laws (EU, Canada, etc.) and this concerns you, you can:

• Read my blog without providing personal information
• Use a VPN to mask your location
• Contact me with privacy concerns

13. Email & Marketing Communications

13.1 What Emails I Send

If you subscribe to my newsletter, I send:

• Weekly "NakedRead": My weekly Substack newsletter (philosophical reflections)
• Blog Updates: Notifications when I post new articles
• Book Announcements: Info about my published books
• Occasional Messages: Updates about my projects or important changes

13.2 How Often?

• NakedRead: Every week
• Blog Updates: Whenever I publish (varies)
• Book News: Occasional (maybe monthly)
• Other: Rare

13.3 Can I Unsubscribe?

Yes, absolutely. Every email has an unsubscribe link. Click it and you're done. No judgment, no questions asked. You'll be unsubscribed within 24 hours.

14. Children's Privacy

My blog is not intended for children under 13. I do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If I discover a child under 13 has provided information, I will delete it immediately.

Parents/Guardians: If you believe your child has provided information to my blog, please contact me at nakedread@gmail.com.

EU/EEA Users: Digital consent age is 16 years old (or lower depending on your country).

15. I'm Not a Legal Expert

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I created this Privacy Policy to the best of my ability based on GDPR, CCPA, and privacy best practices. However:

• I may have made mistakes or oversights
• I may not understand all legal requirements in your country
• This policy may not fully cover all legal scenarios
• You shouldn't treat this as legal advice

If you have legal concerns: Consult with a lawyer in your jurisdiction. I'm just an individual creator doing my best.

16. What I Actually Know About You

The Honest Truth: Here's what I actually know if you engage with my blog:

• If You Comment: Your name, email, and the comment you wrote
• If You Subscribe: Your email address
• If You Click Book Interest: Your email address
• If You Clap: Your IP address (roughly which region you're in)
• If You Visit: That someone from [your country/region] read [this post]

What I DON'T Know:

• Your real name (unless you tell me in a comment)
• Your home address
• Your phone number
• Your financial information
• Your medical history
• Your identity (unless you share it)

17. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this policy when:

• I change how I collect data
• New laws require it
• I use new third-party services
• I learn better privacy practices

How I'll Tell You:

• I'll update the "Last Updated" date
• I'll post a notice on my blog
• If it's a major change, I'll email subscribers
• The updated policy is always available at /search/label/PrivacyPolicy

Your Consent: By continuing to use my blog after changes, you accept the new policy.

18. Contact Me About Privacy

Have questions? Concerns? Want to delete your data?

Email me directly:

📧 Email: nakedread@gmail.com

📧 Subject Line: Any of these:

• "Privacy Question"
• "Data Access Request"
• "Data Deletion Request"
• "GDPR Request"
• "CCPA Request"
• "Unsubscribe"

⏱️ Response Time: I'll respond within 30 days (usually much faster)

19. Legal Disclaimers

19.1 No Guarantee of Security

While I encrypt data in transit, no online system is 100% secure. I cannot guarantee:

• Your data won't be hacked
• Third-party services are perfectly secure
• My amateur coding has no vulnerabilities

Use at your own risk.

19.2 Third-Party Liability

I'm not responsible for:

• Data breaches at Google, Web3Forms, or Substack
• Privacy practices of linked websites
• Security issues beyond my control
• Technical errors in my code

19.3 Limitation of Liability

If your data is compromised, I am:

• Willing to help
• Not liable for damages
• Not a company with insurance
• Just a person doing my best

19.4 Your Assumption of Risk

By using my blog, you acknowledge:

• You understand it's a personal project
• You accept the privacy risks
• You can read without providing data
• You can request data deletion anytime

20. One More Thing: The Real Me

I'm just one person building this blog to share my thoughts on philosophy, existential questions, and books. I'm not:

• A corporation collecting data to sell
• A marketer profiling you for ads
• A tech company with complex data infrastructure
• Trying to spy on anyone

I'm genuinely interested in:

• Connecting with readers who love philosophy
• Writing meaningful content
• Building a community of thinkers
• Respecting your privacy

If something about my privacy practices concerns you, please reach out. I'm open to feedback and will do my best to address your concerns.

Questions? Email me: nakedread@gmail.com

Or just read my blog anonymously - no data required! 📚

© 2025 Ruman Neupane. All rights reserved.

Last Updated: November 17, 2025

This is a personal project built with care by one person. Thank you for reading. 🙏