Privacy Policy

Effective: May 2026  ·  Governing Law: State of Colorado

This Privacy Policy describes how The Southern Colorado Obscura ("the Archive," "we," "us") collects, uses, and protects information in connection with your use of thesoutherncoloradoobscura.com. By using the Archive, you agree to the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

Public visitors: We do not require registration to access the Archive's editorial content. When you visit, standard web server logs may record your IP address, browser type, referring page, and pages visited. This information is used solely for site administration and security purposes.

Correspondent accounts: If you register a free Correspondent account, we collect your email address and a hashed password (or authenticate via Google OAuth). We also store the interactive data you generate: collectible discoveries, puzzle progress, inventory items earned, dispatch log entries, and any profile information you choose to provide (such as a mailing address for correspondence purposes). We do not sell or share this information with third parties.

2. Cookies and Session Data

The Archive uses an HTTP-only session cookie to maintain your login state if you are a registered Correspondent. This cookie is not accessible to JavaScript and is cleared when you log out or your session expires. We do not use tracking cookies for logged-in members on members-only pages.

On publicly accessible pages, third-party advertising cookies may be set by Google AdSense. See Section 4 below.

3. How We Use Your Information

Information collected is used to: operate and improve the Archive; maintain your Correspondent account and interactive features; respond to your correspondence; and display contextually relevant advertising on public pages via Google AdSense. We do not use your information for marketing purposes, and we do not sell it to any third party.

4. Google AdSense and Third-Party Advertising

The Archive displays advertisements on publicly accessible pages through Google AdSense. Google and its partners may use cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. These cookies enable Google to display personalized advertisements.

Advertisements are not shown on members-only pages accessible only to logged-in Correspondents. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ad Settings or by visiting aboutads.info. Google's use of advertising data is governed by Google's Privacy Policy.

5. Members Section Disclosure

Portions of the Archive are accessible only to registered Correspondents. These members-only areas include the Correspondent profile, inventory system, collectibles, puzzle progress tracking, and the Dispatch Log. Data associated with these features is stored on our servers and is not shared with advertisers or third parties. No advertising is displayed on members-only pages.

6. Data Retention and Deletion

Account data is retained for as long as your Correspondent account is active. If you wish to have your account and associated data deleted, contact us at the address below and we will process your request promptly.

7. Children's Privacy

The Archive is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. The effective date above reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Archive following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

9. Contact

Privacy inquiries may be directed to the Editorial Desk at [email protected].