Cookie Policy | How I Use Cookies & Tracking

Cookies are small text files saved on your device when you visit a website. Pretty much every website uses them.

They do things like:
- Remember your settings
- Keep you logged in
- Help me understand how the site is used
- Make the site work better for you

There's also similar tech:
- Local storage: Saves data in your browser
- Session storage: Temporary data that disappears when you close the browser
- Pixels/beacons: Tiny images that track page views

Essential Cookies (Required):
These are needed for the website to work. They handle:
- Logging you in and keeping you logged in
- Security stuff (CSRF protection)
- Remembering your cookie preferences
- Your theme choice (light/dark mode)

You can't turn these off because the site wouldn't work without them. German law (TTDSG Section 25) calls these "technically necessary" so I don't need your consent.

Analytics Cookies (Optional):
If you say yes, I use Google Analytics to see how people use the site. It helps me:
- Make the site better
- See which pages are popular
- Fix problems

This data is anonymous. I can't identify you from it. Only set after you consent.

Here are the specific cookies and storage I use:

Essential Cookies:
- Session cookie: Encrypted cookie that manages your session and includes security tokens (expires when you close browser, or persists if you select "Remember me")
- cookie_consent: Stores your cookie preferences (1 year)

Local Storage (Browser Storage):
- theme: Your light/dark/system mode preference
- cookie_consent: Backup of your cookie preferences
- newsletter_modal: Tracks if you've dismissed or subscribed to the newsletter

Analytics Cookies (only if you consent):
- _ga: Google Analytics - distinguishes users (2 years)
- _gid: Google Analytics - distinguishes users (24 hours)
- _gat: Google Analytics - throttles request rate (1 minute)

Note: Analytics cookies are only set if Google Analytics is enabled and you grant consent.

You've got options:

1. Cookie Banner:
First time here, you pick what's okay. Change your mind later? Use the "Manage Cookie Settings" button on this page.

2. Browser Settings:
Most browsers let you:
- See what cookies are stored
- Delete them
- Block some or all cookies
- Set rules for specific sites

3. Opt-Out:
For analytics, you can install Google's opt-out add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

You can disable cookies through your browser settings. Here's how for common browsers:

Google Chrome:
Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data

Mozilla Firefox:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data

Safari:
Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data

Microsoft Edge:
Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

Note: Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of the website, such as logging in or maintaining your session.

If you turn on analytics, Google Analytics sets some cookies. I don't control what Google does with that data.

Google's privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

I don't use social media trackers, ad cookies, or marketing cookies. This site is clean.

I might update this policy if something changes.

When I do:
- The "Last Updated" date at the top changes
- For big changes, I might reset your cookie consent so you see the updates

Check back occasionally if you're curious.

If you have any questions about my use of cookies, feel free to reach out:

Daniel Samer
Am Alefskamp 50
47198 Duisburg
Germany

Email: mail@yixn.io
Phone: +49 15225669203