Last Updated: February 28, 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to tinkerDad(). I believe in building cool things, sharing how they work, and doing so with transparency. I don’t believe in hiding behind microscopic legal text or sweeping up your personal data just because I can. This Privacy Policy exists to explain in clear, direct English exactly what information this site collects, why it’s collected, and how it is handled.
By visiting and using tinkerDad(), you agree to the practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
tinkerDad() is a blog and documentation platform. I don’t require you to create an account, memorize another password, or hand over your credit card. The data collected falls into two main categories:
Automatically Collected Data (Analytics & Cookies): When you visit the site, certain information is collected automatically through standard web technologies (like Google Analytics). This includes:
- Your IP address and approximate location (city/country level)
- Browser type, device type, and operating system
- Referral source (how you found the site)
- Browsing behavior (which pages you read, how long you stay, and what links you click)
Information You Provide Directy: If you choose to reach out via a contact form or direct email, I will collect the information you voluntarily provide, such as your name, email address, and the contents of your message.
3. How We Use Your Information
The data collected is used strictly for the following operational purposes:
- Improving the Site: Understanding which projects and articles are most popular so I can build better content.
- Serving Relevant Advertising: Google AdSense uses browsing data to display relevant ads that help keep this site running.
- Tracking Affiliate Referrals: When you click an Amazon link, data is used to attribute the referral to tinkerDad() so I can earn a small commission.
- Communication: If you send an email or use a contact form, I use your information exclusively to reply to you. I will never add you to a marketing list without your explicit, separate consent.
- Security and Compliance: Monitoring for spam, preventing abuse, and complying with legal obligations.
4. Cookies
Cookies are tiny data files saved to your browser that help websites remember you and function efficiently. Here is how tinkerDad() uses them:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the basic functionality and security of the website.
- Analytics Cookies: Used by tools like Google Analytics to track site performance and visitor behavior anonymously.
- Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site and others on the internet.
- Affiliate Cookies: Used by Amazon Associates to track if you purchase a product after clicking a link here.
Your Control: You have the right to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser settings to decline them. Doing so will not stop you from reading the tutorials, but it may affect how certain embedded media or ads function.
5. Third Party Services
tinkerDad() relies on a few trusted third-party services to operate. I do not control their data practices, but you should know who they are:
- Google Analytics: Tracks website traffic and user behavior.
- Google AdSense: Serves display advertising across the site.
- Amazon Associates: An affiliate marketing program that provides tracking links for products I recommend.
Each of these companies has an independent privacy policy detailing how they process user data.
6. GDPR Rights (European Union Visitors)
If you are accessing tinkerDad() from the European Economic Area (EEA), you are protected by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
- Rectification: Request that any inaccurate or incomplete data be corrected.
- Erasure: Request that your personal data be deleted (the “right to be forgotten”).
- Restrict Processing: Request a limitation on how your data is used.
- Data Portability: Request that your data be transferred to another organization.
- Object: Object to the processing of your personal data under certain conditions.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the information provided at the bottom of this policy. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority.
7. CCPA Rights (California Residents)
If you are a resident of California, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants you specific rights:
- Right to Know: You can request details about the categories and specific pieces of personal information collected about you.
- Right to Delete: You can request the deletion of your personal information.
- Right to Opt-Out: You can opt out of the sale of your personal information.
Note: tinkerDad() does not sell personal information to data brokers or third parties.
8. Data Retention
I keep personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy.
- Data submitted via contact forms is deleted after a reasonable period once the conversation has concluded.
- Analytics data is retained according to Google Analytics’ default retention settings (typically 14 to 26 months) before being automatically purged.
9. Children’s Privacy
tinkerDad() is about dads and kids building cool things together. It is a family-friendly site. However, the site is designed for adults (parents, makers, hobbyists) and is not directed at children under the age of 13. I do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If you believe a child has provided personal information to this site, please contact me immediately so it can be deleted.
10. Changes to This Policy
Technology changes, laws change, and sometimes this blog changes. I reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. When I do, I will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Your continued use of tinkerDad() after changes have been posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, how your data is handled, or if you wish to exercise your legal data rights, you can reach me at: