Privacy and Cookies

EW Journal by Elveander Welfendorff

Website: EWbyEW.com
Version 1.1. Effective date and last updated: 17 October 2026.

Short summary

EW Journal is a privately operated, publicly accessible personal blog and independent editorial project operated by Elveander Welfendorff. It publishes essays and commentary at the intersection of art, humanities, finance, wealth, time, civilisation, markets and institutions. The Website is not a company, financial service, payment service, subscription service, membership service or paid-access platform. Reading the editorial material does not normally require an account or the submission of personal information.

The Website uses WordPress and Hostinger services. It may use strictly necessary technical storage for hosting, security, caching, comments and remembering a visitor’s cookie choice. Google Analytics is used through Site Kit by Google only after the visitor chooses “Accept analytics cookies”. This policy explains what information may be processed, why it is used, how the cookie banner and consent mechanism operate, and which rights and choices may be available.

1. About this Policy

This Privacy and Cookies Policy describes how EW Journal may process personal data in connection with EWbyEW.com, including when a visitor reads an article, uses a contact form, sends an email, leaves a comment, sends an enquiry or proposal or interacts with the Website’s cookie choices. It also explains the use of cookies and similar technical mechanisms, including analytics technologies supplied through Google Analytics and Site Kit by Google.

The policy is written for a small independent editorial project. It is intended to be understandable to ordinary visitors while identifying the principal processing activities associated with the Website. It applies to information collected online through the Website and to information supplied in communications that relate directly to EW Journal.

This document is not intended to operate as terms of use, an investment-advice document or a contract for paid services. The terms of use and the editorial rules are on the Editorial Terms and Policy page. Clicking a link to this policy does not itself constitute consent to analytics. Where consent is required, it is expressed through the separate choice “Accept analytics cookies”.

2. Controller and Contact

For processing activities for which he determines the purposes and means, Elveander Welfendorff operates EW Journal as a private personal editorial project and acts as the relevant data controller. EW Journal is not presented as a separate company, partnership or other incorporated organisation.

Privacy questions, requests concerning personal data, enquiries about analytics consent and questions about comments or contact-form submissions may be sent to:

Privacy contact: info@ewbyew.com
Website: EWbyEW.com
Effective date and last updated: 17 October 2026

When a person contacts EW Journal, the message and any information included in it may contain personal data. That information is used to handle the request, respond appropriately, maintain a proportionate record, protect the Website and comply with applicable legal obligations where relevant.

3. Scope and Nature of the Blog

EW Journal is a publicly accessible personal blog and editorial project. Its subject matter includes art, beauty, human behaviour, history, philosophy, wealth, value, finance, markets, banking, economics, politics, time, civilisation and institutions. The editorial purpose is to examine ideas and human conduct, including the ways that people and institutions create, measure, preserve and contest value.

The Website does not currently offer payments, subscriptions, memberships, donations, paid access or e-commerce. It is not a financial product platform, market-timing service or investment-advice service. Articles may discuss financial concepts, markets or institutions, but publication of an article does not create a client relationship or amount to a personal recommendation.

EW Journal carries no advertising, sponsored content or affiliate links, now or in future. It does not use programmatic advertising, behavioural advertising or an advertising-network profiling model. If an optional feature is later introduced that changes how personal data is used, the relevant information and choices will be presented in an appropriate way.

4. Information We Process

EW Journal seeks to process information that is reasonably relevant to the particular interaction. Some information is generated automatically when a browser requests a page or when a technical service operates. Other information is supplied voluntarily by a visitor. The categories below describe the main types of information that may arise.

4.1 Technical and connection information

When a visitor requests a page, ordinary internet, hosting and security functions may generate an IP address, timestamps, the requested page or file, browser and device information, language, referrer information, server logs, error information, diagnostic data and security events. These records may be used to deliver pages, maintain availability, identify faults, prevent abuse, investigate incidents and improve performance.

Technical information may constitute personal data where it can be associated with an individual, browser, device or connection. The information processed depends on the services in use and the technical event involved. It is not treated as a request for marketing merely because it is generated during a visit.

4.2 Analytics information

Where a visitor gives analytics consent, Google Analytics may process information such as page views, article interactions, referral source, approximate location derived from technical information, browser and device categories, operating system, language, online identifiers, consent signals and related measurement events. EW Journal uses this information to understand which articles are read, how the Website is used in aggregate and where the editorial experience or performance may be improved.

EW Journal does not intentionally send comment text, contact-form messages or the email address supplied with a comment to Google Analytics. Analytics is not intended to identify visitors by name. The data flow is nevertheless subject to the settings of the relevant Google Analytics property, the Site Kit implementation and the choices made through the cookie mechanism.

4.3 Information supplied by visitors

A visitor may voluntarily provide a name or display name, email address, subject, message, comment, organisation or other information in a contact form, email, comment or enquiry. A visitor should avoid sending unnecessary sensitive or confidential information through a public comment, an ordinary email or a contact form.

EW Journal uses voluntarily supplied information only for purposes connected with the interaction, such as responding, moderating a comment, preventing abuse, maintaining correspondence, handling a request or addressing a legal complaint. An email address supplied in a comment or contact form is not used for newsletters or marketing merely because it was supplied. Marketing requires a separate appropriate consent.

Words typed into the search box are counted in aggregate (the text of the search, how often it was used and how many results it returned) so that EW Journal can see which subjects readers look for; the count is not linked to an IP address, an account or a cookie.

5. Comments

EW Journal may allow visitors to leave comments voluntarily. Depending on the WordPress configuration, a comment submission may include a display name, email address, comment text, IP address, submission time and other technical metadata collected for security, moderation or anti-abuse purposes.

The chosen display name and approved comment text may appear publicly on the Website. An email address supplied for commenting is not publicly displayed. It is used to administer the comment process, respond where appropriate, prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of the discussion. It is not used for newsletters or marketing merely because it was supplied with a comment.

Comments may be moderated before publication and may be edited for formatting, clarity or presentation, or removed. A comment may be withheld or removed where it is spam, abusive, unlawful, defamatory, threatening, discriminatory, infringing, misleading, irrelevant or inconsistent with the editorial standards of EW Journal. Comment-related information may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary for moderation, security, complaints, disputes and legal obligations.

The likely legal bases for comment processing are legitimate interests in operating a moderated public discussion, protecting the Website and preventing abuse, together with any legal obligation that applies. Where a particular technical function requires consent, that consent will be requested through the relevant interface.

6. Contact Forms and Email Correspondence

WPForms Lite may be used to provide a contact form. Common information submitted through such a form may include a name or display name, an email address, a subject and the content of a message. The actual information supplied is determined by the fields that are available when the form is used.

Contact-form and email information is used to receive and answer an enquiry, maintain correspondence, consider a proposal, prevent abuse, handle requests and maintain a proportionate record. It is not used for marketing or newsletters without a separate appropriate consent.

The information may be transmitted by email and may be stored in the Website, the hosting environment or an email system used to deliver the message. Technical and anti-abuse services may process limited connection information when a form is submitted. Contact information is retained for as long as reasonably necessary to respond, manage the correspondence, maintain relevant records, resolve a dispute or comply with an applicable legal obligation.

7. WordPress, Hostinger and Technical Operations

EW Journal runs on WordPress and uses Hostinger services for hosting and related site functions. WordPress, Hostinger and associated infrastructure may process technical data needed to deliver pages, administer the Website, maintain availability, protect systems, troubleshoot errors and support backups or recovery. This may include IP addresses, timestamps, browser and device information, server logs, error records and security information.

WP Fastest Cache is used for performance and caching. It may create or read strictly necessary technical storage or cookies in order to cache pages, improve delivery and support the operation of the Website. Caching does not by itself constitute behavioural advertising or analytics profiling.

Rank Math may process limited technical or administrative information in connection with search-engine optimisation and site operation. It is not described as an advertising or analytics service. Hostinger Easy Onboarding is an administrative and onboarding tool, while Hostinger Reach and Hostinger Tools may support hosting or Website functions. The relevant provider may process information as necessary for the applicable service.

Technical services may also create or access storage required for security, administration, comments, consent preferences, caching or other functions expressly requested by a visitor. Such activity is distinguished from optional analytics and is limited to what is reasonably connected with the relevant technical purpose.

8. Google Analytics and Site Kit

Google Analytics is used through Site Kit by Google. It helps EW Journal understand readership and Website performance, including which articles are read and how visitors interact with the editorial material in aggregate. Depending on the configured property and tags, the service may process page views, events or interactions, referral information, browser and device categories, operating system, language, approximate location, online identifiers and consent signals.

Google Analytics is supplied by Google. Depending on the service arrangement, visitor location and applicable processing role, a Google entity such as Google Ireland Limited or another relevant Google entity may be involved. Google may process information under its own service arrangements and privacy documentation. EW Journal describes the intended use of the service here and does not use Google Analytics to intentionally collect comment text, contact-form content or commenter email addresses.

8.1 Consent before analytics

Analytics cookies and related non-essential analytics storage are intended to remain inactive until the visitor selects “Accept analytics cookies”. Before that choice, Google Consent Mode is configured so that analytics storage is denied by default before Google or Site Kit scripts load. After the visitor selects “Accept analytics cookies”, the consent state is updated to permit the analytics functionality intended for the Website.

The visitor’s choice is remembered for subsequent visits through the consent mechanism. Selecting “Essential only” does not remove every form of technical storage: strictly necessary cookies or similar mechanisms may still operate for hosting, security, caching, comments or remembering the choice. It does, however, mean that non-essential analytics should remain denied.

8.2 Retention and international processing

Analytics retention is governed by the retention settings configured in the relevant Google Analytics property and related services. EW Journal does not state a fixed analytics retention period in this policy. The information may be processed outside the visitor’s country or outside the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, depending on the configuration and the services involved.

Where applicable law requires safeguards for an international transfer, EW Journal relies on the safeguards available under the relevant provider arrangements and applicable law. The categories of information, destinations and transfer arrangements may depend on the Google configuration and the visitor’s location.

9. Cookies and Consent

Cookies are small files or similar identifiers stored on, or accessed from, a browser. The Website may also use local storage, scripts, tags and other technical mechanisms. Some are necessary to provide a page, protect the Website, support a function requested by a visitor, operate comments, improve delivery through caching or remember a consent choice. Other technologies, including analytics identifiers, are optional and are used only after the required consent has been obtained.

Essential cookies do not require consent where their use is legally permitted because they are necessary for the operation of the Website or for a function requested by the visitor. Analytics cookies are treated differently. They are intended to remain blocked or denied until the visitor selects “Accept analytics cookies”. Choosing “Essential only” therefore does not mean that cookies are completely absent; it means that optional analytics cookies should not be activated.

9.1 Cookie banner

The cookie banner explains: “This website uses essential cookies required for its operation. With your consent, EW Journal also uses analytics cookies to understand which articles are read and to improve the website. You may accept analytics cookies or continue with essential cookies only. For more information, please read our Privacy and Cookies Policy.”

The available choices are “Accept analytics cookies” and “Essential only”. The previous checkbox requiring acceptance of terms or the cookie policy has been removed. A visitor can therefore read this policy without that act itself being treated as analytics consent.

9.2 Changing a choice

A visitor may withdraw or change analytics consent through the consent mechanism made available on the Website. Withdrawal affects future processing based on consent and does not make earlier lawful processing unlawful. Browser settings may also restrict cookies, although disabling essential storage may affect Website functionality and does not necessarily erase information already processed by a provider.

10. Legal Bases

The legal basis for processing depends on the purpose, the information involved, the visitor’s location and the law that applies. Where the GDPR applies, EW Journal may rely on one or more of the following bases, applied to the relevant activity rather than automatically to every form of processing.

10.1 Consent

Consent is the basis for optional analytics cookies and related analytics storage. It is given when the visitor selects “Accept analytics cookies” through the cookie banner. A visitor may choose “Essential only” instead. Consent is not inferred merely from visiting the Website, reading an article or clicking the link to this policy.

10.2 Legitimate interests and requested services

Legitimate interests may support the operation and security of a small editorial Website, moderation of a public comment area, prevention of spam and abuse, response to communications, maintenance of reasonable records and protection of legal rights. Where a visitor requests a service, such as sending a contact-form message or submitting a comment, processing may also be necessary to perform that user-requested interaction.

10.3 Legal obligations

Processing may be necessary to comply with a legal obligation, respond to a lawful request, keep a required record, investigate abuse or establish, exercise or defend a legal claim. More than one basis may apply to a particular activity, and the applicable basis may change if the circumstances or law change.

11. Retention

Personal data is retained for no longer than is reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for Website security and moderation, to maintain relevant records, resolve disputes, establish or defend claims or comply with legal obligations. The appropriate period depends on the type of information, the interaction, the systems involved and the relevant risk.

Technical logs, cache records, security events and backups may remain for periods determined by the relevant hosting, security, caching or backup arrangements. Contact correspondence may be retained while an enquiry is active and for a reasonable period afterwards where follow-up, records or claims require it. Comment information may be retained while a comment is published and for a reasonable period needed for moderation, security, complaints or legal purposes.

Consent records may be retained for a proportionate period so that the choice can be administered and demonstrated. Analytics data is retained according to the configured settings of the applicable Google Analytics property. Where information is no longer needed, it may be deleted, anonymised or securely archived, subject to technical and legal requirements.

12. Disclosure and Service Providers

Personal data may be accessed by Elveander Welfendorff and by service providers used to host, secure, maintain and operate EW Journal. Depending on the relevant activity, these may include Hostinger, Google in connection with Google Analytics and Site Kit by Google, WordPress-related services, email and form-delivery services, caching infrastructure, security or anti-spam services and providers supporting backups or technical administration.

Rank Math, Hostinger Easy Onboarding, Hostinger Reach and Hostinger Tools may support SEO, onboarding, hosting, site administration or related Website functions. They are not presented as advertising or behavioural analytics services. The provider involved may process the information necessary for the applicable service, subject to the relevant arrangements and technical operation.

Information may also be disclosed where necessary to comply with a lawful request, protect the Website or another person, investigate abuse, or establish or defend a legal claim. EW Journal does not sell personal data.

13. International Transfers

Depending on the provider, configuration and visitor location, personal data may be processed outside the visitor’s country or outside the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland. This may be relevant to Google, Hostinger or another provider used for hosting, analytics, email, security, backup or technical delivery.

Where applicable law requires safeguards for an international transfer, EW Journal uses the transfer safeguards available under the relevant provider arrangements and applicable law. The recipient, destination and transfer mechanism may depend on the service being used and the visitor’s location. Information about Google’s processing may also be governed by Google’s own privacy and service documentation.

14. Security

EW Journal takes reasonable technical and organisational measures appropriate to a small editorial Website. These may include access controls, secure administration, software and plugin updates, backups, caching controls, measures against spam and malicious traffic, restricted access to correspondence and review of unusual security events.

Security information may be processed to detect, prevent and investigate unauthorised access, malicious code, service disruption, abuse or other incidents. If an incident occurs, the operator will assess it, take reasonable steps to contain and investigate it, preserve relevant information and make notifications where an applicable law requires notification.

No online transmission or storage system is free from risk. Access to personal data is limited to the operator and service providers who need it for the relevant technical, editorial or administrative purpose.

15. Your Rights

Depending on applicable law and the circumstances of the processing, a person may have the right to request access to personal data, rectification of inaccurate information, erasure, restriction of processing, objection to certain processing, data portability where applicable and withdrawal of consent where consent is the legal basis.

These rights depend on the legal basis, the nature of the information and applicable exemptions. For example, deletion or objection may be limited where information must be retained for security, moderation, legal claims, freedom of expression, third-party rights or a legal obligation. Withdrawal of analytics consent affects future consent-based analytics processing and does not affect processing that was lawful before withdrawal.

A request may be sent to info@ewbyew.com. The request should identify the relevant interaction where possible. EW Journal may ask for proportionate information needed to locate the data and verify the requester’s identity, so that personal data is not disclosed to the wrong person. Requests will be handled within the period required by applicable law, subject to lawful extensions or limitations.

A person may also have the right to complain to a competent supervisory or data-protection authority. The appropriate authority depends on the person’s circumstances, habitual residence, place of work, the location of the alleged infringement and the law that applies.

16. External Links

EW Journal may contain ordinary links to external websites or, if enabled, embedded content such as a video, social feature, document or other third-party resource. Following an external link or loading an embedded feature may allow the external provider to receive technical information, set cookies or process personal data under its own terms.

EW Journal does not control external services and does not guarantee that they follow this policy. Visitors should review the relevant external provider’s information before submitting personal data. A static link ordinarily does not, by itself, send visitor data to the linked website merely because the link appears on an EW Journal page.

Non-essential embeds should be presented in a way that respects the visitor’s relevant choices. If an embed can set or read identifiers before consent, it should be treated as an optional technology and handled through an appropriate choice mechanism.

17. Children

EW Journal is intended as an age-neutral editorial Website. It does not knowingly seek to collect information from children as a special audience and does not require visitors to provide an age or date of birth.

If a parent, guardian or visitor believes that a child has submitted personal data unnecessarily, they may contact info@ewbyew.com. EW Journal will consider the request and, where appropriate, remove or restrict the information subject to applicable law, legal claims, security needs and the rights of other people.

18. Changes to this Policy

This policy may be updated when EW Journal changes its Website, WordPress configuration, hosting, analytics, consent mechanism, comment or contact functionality, editorial activities, providers or applicable legal requirements. The version and effective date will be updated when the substance of the policy changes.

Material changes will be presented in a way that allows visitors to understand the principal change. The current version is identified at the beginning of this policy by its version number and effective date.

Version 1.1, 17 October 2026. Section 4.3 now describes the counting of search words. The passages on sponsored and partner content are removed, because EW Journal carries no sponsored content. The search-engine optimisation plugin is named correctly as Rank Math. A pointer to the Editorial Terms and Policy page is added to section 1.

19. Contact

Questions about privacy, analytics consent, comments, contact-form submissions or this policy may be sent to:

EW Journal by Elveander Welfendorff
Privacy contact: info@ewbyew.com
Website: EWbyEW.com
Effective date and last updated: 17 October 2026

When writing to EW Journal, please include enough information to identify the relevant request, but do not send unnecessary sensitive information through an ordinary email or contact form.

End of policy