On this page
At a glance
- Analytics: Google Analytics 4 sets
_gaand_ga_*cookies to count visits. - Functional: a
themeitem in your browser's local storage remembers dark or light mode. Not a cookie, not tracking. - Advertising: none. We don't currently use any ad network.
This page explains the cookies and similar technologies used on LongDistance.net, why they're there, and how to control them. It goes with our privacy policy.
What cookies and local storage are
A cookie is a small text file a website asks your browser to store, which is sent back to the site (or a third party) on later requests. Local storage is a similar browser feature that lets a page save small bits of information on your device; unlike cookies, it isn't automatically sent anywhere. Both can be used for simple preferences or for measuring visits.
What we use
| Name | Type | Set by | Purpose | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Cookie (analytics) | Google Analytics 4, on our domain | Assigns a random ID to your browser so visits can be counted and returning visitors distinguished | Up to 2 years |
_ga_* | Cookie (analytics) | Google Analytics 4, on our domain | Keeps track of the current session for our GA4 property | Up to 2 years |
theme | Local storage (functional) | LongDistance.net | Remembers whether you chose dark or light mode. Stays on your device and is never sent to us or anyone else | Until you clear site data |
Our host, Cloudflare, may occasionally set a strictly necessary security cookie if its protection systems need to check that traffic is coming from a real browser. These cookies are used only for security and are described in Cloudflare's cookie documentation.
Fonts are loaded from Google Fonts. Google states the Google Fonts API doesn't set cookies, though Google does receive your IP address when your browser fetches the font files. See our privacy policy for details.
Advertising cookies
We don't currently show ads or work with any advertising network, so this site sets no advertising, retargeting or cross-site tracking cookies. We may add advertising in the future. If we do, we will update this page before or when ads go live, list the providers and cookies involved, and provide any consent options required where you live.
Amazon and other sites we link to
Some pages contain Amazon affiliate links. Clicking one takes you to Amazon, which may set its own cookies (including one that records you arrived from our link) under Amazon's own cookies notice. Those cookies are set on Amazon's site, not ours. The same applies to any other external site you visit from a link here.
How to control cookies
- Opt out of Google Analytics everywhere with the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
- Block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Chrome: Settings, then Privacy and security. Safari: Settings, then Privacy. Firefox: Settings, then Privacy & Security. Edge: Settings, then Cookies and site permissions.
- Use a content blocker or your browser's tracking protection, which typically blocks Google Analytics.
- Clear the theme setting by clearing this site's data in your browser. The site will fall back to your device's light or dark setting.
Every article works with cookies and scripts blocked. You'll just lose your saved theme preference.
Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control
There's no single agreed standard for responding to the Do Not Track browser signal. Since we don't sell personal information or use advertising cookies, there is currently nothing for a Global Privacy Control signal to opt you out of beyond the controls above. If that changes when advertising is added, we'll describe how we honor these signals here.
Changes to this policy
If we add or remove services that set cookies, we'll update this page and the “last updated” date at the top.
Questions
Email [email protected] or see our contact page.