Last updated: March 28, 2026
Your privacy matters. This page explains what information The Sabbatical Files collects, how it’s used, and what choices you have. The short version: I don’t sell your data, I don’t collect anything I don’t need, and I try to be straightforward about how this site works.
Who Runs This Site
The Sabbatical Files is a personal blog run by Michael Giannella. If you have questions about this privacy policy, you can reach me at mike@thesabbaticalfiles.com.
Information Collected Automatically
Like most websites, The Sabbatical Files collects basic technical information when you visit. This includes your IP address, browser type, the pages you view, how long you spend on them, and how you arrived at the site. This data is collected through cookies and analytics tools (currently WordPress site stats and/or Google Analytics) and is used only to understand how the site is performing and what content is most useful to readers. It is not used to identify you personally.
Cookies
This site uses cookies, small text files stored on your device. They’re used for things like keeping the site running smoothly, remembering preferences, and gathering anonymous analytics data. If you’d prefer not to accept cookies, you can adjust your browser settings to block or delete them. Some site features may not work correctly if you do.
Email Subscriptions
If you subscribe to updates from The Sabbatical Files, I collect your email address. I use it only to send you the content you signed up for. I don’t share, sell, or rent your email address to anyone. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any email.
Affiliate Links
Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you. The Sabbatical Files is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Affiliate relationships never influence my recommendations. I only link to products I’d genuinely suggest.
Third-Party Services
This site may embed content or use services from third parties, including YouTube (for video embeds), Google (for fonts and analytics), and Pinterest. These services have their own privacy policies and may collect data according to their own terms when you interact with their content on this site.
Comments
If you leave a comment on the site, the name and email address you provide are stored in the WordPress database along with your comment. Email addresses are not displayed publicly. Comments may be reviewed before publishing to prevent spam.
Data Retention
Analytics data is retained for as long as reasonably necessary to understand site performance. Email subscriber data is retained until you unsubscribe. If you’d like your data removed, contact me at the email address above and I’ll take care of it.
Your Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights under laws like GDPR (EU/UK) or CCPA (California) to access, correct, or delete personal data I hold about you. To exercise any of these rights, reach out at mike@thesabbaticalfiles.com. I’ll respond within 30 days.
Children’s Privacy
This site is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes to This Policy
If this policy changes in a meaningful way, I’ll update the date at the top of the page. Continued use of the site after any changes means you accept the updated policy.