Cookies

Let's talk about cookies.

No, not that sort.

In computing cookies are small text files that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit one of its pages. It enables the website to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time. By EU law all websites have to inform you if they use cookies, and exactly what they're using them for.

This was originally a very simple website. I wrote it entirely in the Notepad text editor and the most complicated thing I did was link to some pretty pictures. I don't and never have stored any login details or personal information from any of my users. Over the years though I've added extra bits and pieces to the website (usually by linking to exterior clever stuff) so this website does now use cookies for the following functions:

Google AdSense
Google Analytics
Remembering if you have agreed to the use of cookies on this site.

The irony of the third one is not lost on me.

Google AdSense is the system I use to provide adverts. It sets third-party cookies (ie cookies that are read by websites other than the one you're on) in order to show ads based on your previous browsing. These cookies are the reason I keep seeing ads for fridge-freezers when I googled them once six weeks ago. You can opt out through google by adjusting your Ads Settings.

Google Analytics is the system I use to view my user data. It sets first-party cookies (ie cookies that are read by this website) to record information such as which pages get the most traffic, which county that traffic is from, whether or not people ever visit again... collecting this information allows me to adjust my content based on user interest. For example my most popular patterns are knitted flowers, therefore I try to do more knitted flower patterns. If not deleted (see below) some of these cookies can sit on your machine for up to two years.

Deleting/controlling cookies is pretty straightforward, though if you get rid of them entirely you'll find yourself having to re-input an awful lot of passwords. See aboutcookies.org for detailed information.

This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available.

GDPR Update

GDPR means I can't collect identifiable date on people within the EU without their explicit consent. As discussed, even though I don't ask visitors for any information about themselves the google plug-ins I use do track cookies from across multiple websites.

The code for every page on the site now includes a script to block adverts and analytics information gathering completely if you have not explicitly agreed to cookies. You can change your mind at any point by clicking on the "Cookie settings" button on the bottom left of the screen.