Cookie Policy
Last Updated: June 6, 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners. Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device after you close your browser, while session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.
2. How We Use Cookies
When you visit our website, we use cookies to:
- Remember your cookie consent preferences
- Understand how you use our website (with your consent)
- Analyze website traffic and user behavior (with your consent)
- Improve our website and user experience
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Necessary Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies (and equivalent browser storage) are essential for the website to function properly. They enable basic features like storing your cookie consent preferences and remembering interface choices. They do not store any personally identifiable information and are always active (they are not controlled by the consent banner). You can still block cookies and site storage in your browser settings, but doing so may break core functionality.
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| cookie-consent | Cookie | Stores your cookie preferences | 12 months |
| ffc-sister-site-banner-dismissed-v1 | Local storage | Remembers that you dismissed the “looking for a free site or to donate?” banner so it stays hidden. No personal data; never leaves your device. | Until cleared |
3.2 Analytics Cookies (Requires Consent)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. We use this information to improve our website and user experience.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our website.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Maintains session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Microsoft Clarity
Microsoft Clarity is a user behavior analytics tool that helps us understand how users interact with our website through session recordings and heatmaps.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _clck | Persists Clarity User ID | 1 year |
| _clsk | Session cookie | 1 day |
Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com/privacystatement
3.3 Marketing Cookies (Requires Consent)
These cookies are used to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for users and thereby more valuable for publishers and advertisers.
We do not currently use any marketing or advertising trackers. The marketing preference is reserved in case we add one in the future; if we do, we will list it here and it will load only with your consent.
4. How to Manage Cookies
You have several options for managing cookies:
4.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can:
- Accept All: Allow all cookies including analytics and marketing
- Decline All: Only essential cookies will be used
- Customize: Choose which types of cookies you want to allow
4.2 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
- Block third-party cookies
- Block all cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies from being set
- Delete all cookies when you close your browser
Please note that if you block all cookies, you may not be able to use all features of our website.
4.3 Opt-Out Links
You can opt out of specific third-party cookies:
- Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Meta (Facebook): Facebook Ad Settings
5. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that lets you tell websites that you do not want to have your online activities tracked. At this time, we do not respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals. However, you can control cookies through our cookie consent banner.
6. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please review this policy periodically for changes.
7. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
8. More Information
For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.