Privacy Policy
Plain language, written to be read. If any of this is unclear, tell us — we will fix it.
6 min read · Updated July 2026
This policy explains what 2ND CITY STANDARD collects when you read the site, subscribe to the newsletter, or create an account — and what we do with it. We keep it short on purpose. If something reads like legalese, please tell us and we will rewrite it.
What we collect
Cookies
We use a small number of cookies to make the site work (session, preferences) and to understand which articles are being read and how. You can control cookie behavior in your browser and, where required, through our cookie notice.
Analytics
We use privacy-respecting analytics to see which stories readers care about. Analytics do not identify you personally. We use these numbers to make editorial decisions, not to build a profile of you.
Advertising
When we run advertising, we prefer contextual placements over behavioral tracking. If a partner requires cookies for measurement, that will be disclosed on the ad or in the cookie notice.
Affiliate links
Some outbound links may earn a commission if you buy something. Affiliate links do not change what we recommend, and they never share personal information about you with the retailer.
Newsletter
When you subscribe, we store your email address and any topic preferences you set. We use this to send the newsletter and nothing else. Unsubscribe removes you fully — there is a link in every email and a page at /unsubscribe.
User accounts
If you create an account, we store your email address, a password hash, and the preferences you save. You can delete your account at any time from settings; deletion removes your stored profile and preferences.
Data storage
Data is stored with reputable infrastructure providers using standard security practices. Access is limited to the people who need it to run the site.
What we do not do
- We do not sell your personal information.
- We do not build advertising profiles of readers.
- We do not track you across the web to retarget you elsewhere.
Changes
We update this policy when practices change. Material updates will be announced in the newsletter and dated at the top of this page.