Cookie Policy

Last Updated: June 22, 2026

Taron Epps — Community Website

1. Introduction

Welcome, and thank you for visiting this website. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how this website — owned and operated by Taron Epps — uses them, and what choices you have when it comes to controlling them.

We want to be upfront and transparent about how we collect and use data so that you can make informed decisions about your experience on this site. By continuing to browse and use this website after reading this policy, you are consenting to the use of cookies as described here.

This Cookie Policy works alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides broader detail about how your personal information is collected, used, and protected. We encourage you to read both documents together to get a full picture of how your data is handled on this site.

2. What Are Cookies?

In plain language, cookies are small text files that are placed on your device — your computer, phone, or tablet — when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember certain information about your visit, such as your preferences or whether you are logged in, so that your experience feels smoother and more consistent each time you return.

Think of a cookie as a short note that a website leaves on your device to help it recognize you the next time you come back. Cookies do not contain executable code and cannot carry viruses or malware.

There are two main categories of cookies based on how long they last:

Session Cookies — These are temporary cookies that exist only while your browser is open. Once you close your browser, session cookies are automatically deleted. They are typically used to keep you logged in as you move between pages during a single visit.
Persistent Cookies — These cookies remain on your device for a set period of time, even after you close your browser. They are used to remember your preferences or settings across multiple visits, so you do not have to re-enter information every time you return to the site.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

This website uses a small number of carefully considered cookies. Each type serves a specific purpose, described below in plain language.

3.1 Essential / Functional Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to work properly. Without them, core features of the site — like logging in, submitting forms, or navigating securely — would not function correctly. Because they are strictly necessary, these cookies cannot be disabled without directly affecting how the site operates.

WordPress session cookies that keep you logged in as you move between pages
Login authentication cookies that verify your identity when you access a member area
Security and CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) tokens that protect the site and its visitors from malicious activity
Comment form convenience cookies that remember your name and email address so you do not have to retype them each time you leave a comment

3.2 Analytics Cookies

Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use this website. This includes which pages are visited most often, how users navigate from one section to another, and how long visitors spend on the site. This information helps us improve the website’s content and structure for the benefit of our community.

We use Google Analytics to collect this data. Google Analytics cookies include: _ga (used to distinguish unique visitors), _gid (tracks sessions across the day), and _gat (used to throttle request rates)
Data collected through analytics cookies is aggregated and, where possible, anonymized — meaning it reflects overall trends rather than identifying individual users
If you prefer not to be tracked by Google Analytics, you can opt out by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

3.3 Preference Cookies

Preference cookies remember choices you have made on the website to improve your experience on future visits. They make the site feel more personalized and save you from having to reset your settings each time you return.

Language preferences, if you have selected a specific language
Display or layout settings that you have adjusted to suit your browsing experience

3.4 Third-Party Cookies

Some features or content on this website are provided by third-party services. When those services load on a page, they may set their own cookies on your device. These cookies are outside our direct control and are governed by the privacy and cookie policies of those third parties — not by this Cookie Policy.

Embedded social media posts (such as from Facebook, Instagram, or X/Twitter) may set cookies from those platforms
Embedded YouTube videos may set cookies used by Google/YouTube to track video views and preferences
Newsletter sign-up forms provided by services such as Mailchimp may set cookies related to your subscription activity

We encourage you to review the cookie and privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with through this website.

4. How Long Do Cookies Last?

Different cookies have different lifespans, depending on their purpose:

Session Cookies — These are active only while your browser is open. They are automatically deleted the moment you close your browser window or tab. They are most commonly used for site functionality like maintaining your login status during a single visit.
Persistent Cookies — These remain on your device after your browser is closed. They expire either after a specific date or when you manually delete them. The length of time varies by cookie type:
- Most analytics cookies expire between 30 days and 2 years. For example, Google Analytics’ _ga cookie is set to expire after 2 years
- Essential WordPress cookies typically last for the duration of your session or, in some cases, a few days if you select the “Remember Me” option at login

You can always view and manage the cookies stored on your device through your browser settings at any time.

5. How to Control Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept, manage, or decline cookies. Here are the main options available to you:

Browser Settings — Most modern web browsers allow you to view, manage, block, or delete cookies directly through the browser’s built-in settings. Look in your browser’s Privacy, Security, or Settings menu for cookie controls. The exact location varies depending on which browser you use, but it is typically straightforward to find.
Blocking Specific Cookies — You may choose to block certain types of cookies (such as third-party cookies) while still allowing others. Please be aware that blocking essential cookies may affect how this website functions — for example, you may not be able to stay logged in or submit certain forms correctly.
Google Analytics Opt-Out — If you would like to prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits to this site, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available for free at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. Once installed, the add-on prevents Google Analytics from receiving information about your visits.
Clearing Browser Data — Please note that if you clear your browser’s cookies, cache, or browsing data, any cookie preferences you have set — including opt-outs — may be reset. You may need to re-apply your preferences after clearing your data.

6. Cookies and Personal Data

Some cookies collect information that may be considered personal data. For example, analytics tools like Google Analytics may capture your IP address as part of the data they gather about site visits. In many cases, this information is partially anonymized (for example, the last portion of an IP address may be masked), but it is important that you are aware it may be collected.

Any personal data collected through cookies on this website is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The Privacy Policy provides full details about what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how it is stored, and your rights as a user. We encourage you to review the Privacy Policy alongside this Cookie Policy for a complete understanding of your data privacy on this site.

7. Third-Party Cookie Policies

This website is not responsible for the cookies set by third-party services or platforms that may load content within our pages. Each third-party service operates under its own privacy and cookie policies, which govern how their cookies are used and how any data they collect is handled.

If you interact with embedded content, social media features, or external tools on this site, we encourage you to review the relevant policies directly from those providers. For reference:

Google Analytics / Google — Google’s Privacy Policy governs all data collected through Google Analytics cookies. You can find it at policies.google.com/privacy
YouTube — Embedded YouTube videos are governed by Google’s Privacy Policy and YouTube’s Terms of Service
Social Media Platforms — If you interact with any embedded social media posts, those platforms’ own cookie and privacy policies apply
Email / Newsletter Providers — Services such as Mailchimp have their own cookie and data policies that govern any data collected through sign-up forms

We make reasonable efforts to only embed content from reputable third-party providers, but we cannot be held responsible for the data practices of those external services.

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes may be necessary to reflect updates in technology, applicable laws and regulations, or changes in the way this website is built and operated (for example, if new features are added that use additional cookies).

When we make changes, the “Last Updated” date shown at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent revision. We recommend checking back periodically so that you are always aware of how cookies are being used on this site.

Your continued use of this website after any updates to this Cookie Policy will be taken as your acceptance of the revised terms.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Cookie Policy — or about cookies on this website in general — please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help and always welcome feedback from our community.

Name: Taron Epps

Email: contact@taronepps.com

Phone: 210-846-7543