Last updated: April 5, 2026
At WhyAreYouSad.com (WAYS), we understand that sharing a story can be one of the most vulnerable things a person does. Whether you are submitting a personal memory, reaching out as a sponsor, or simply browsing stories that remind you you’re not alone, your privacy matters.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.
1) Information we collect
We may collect information you voluntarily provide, including:
- Story submissions
- Author preference selections (full name, initials, anonymous)
- Contact form inquiries
- Sponsor and partner applications
- Email addresses for replies or follow-up
- Payment and billing details submitted through checkout
- Accessibility or audio feature preferences
We may also automatically collect limited technical data such as browser type, pages visited, referring pages, and anonymous analytics information used to improve the website experience.
2) Story submission privacy
WAYS is built on personal storytelling. Because of that, we treat submitted stories with additional care.
When you submit a story, you may choose how authorship appears:
- Full name
- Initials
- Anonymous
We will honor your selected attribution preference whenever your story is published.
Story submissions may be reviewed and edited for readability, title structure, grammar, formatting, emotional clarity, category alignment, and consistency with the WAYS editorial style.
Submission of a story does not guarantee publication.
3) How we use your information
We use submitted information to:
- Review and edit story submissions
- Respond to sponsor, partner, or story inquiries
- Process sponsorship purchases and annual partner packages
- Improve website usability and accessibility
- Maintain security and reduce spam or abuse
- Send communications related to active sponsorships or submissions
We do not sell personal story data.
4) Payment and checkout data
Sponsor and partner purchases may be processed through third-party payment providers integrated into our website checkout system.
WAYS does not directly store full payment card or bank account information on its servers.
Payment processors may include services such as Stripe, Square, PayPal, WooCommerce Payments, ACH processors, or similar secure vendors.
Their privacy and security policies govern payment processing.
5) Cookies and analytics
We may use cookies, analytics tools, and performance tracking to better understand how visitors use the website.
This helps us improve:
- story discovery
- accessibility features
- submission flow performance
- sponsor landing pages
- overall user experience
These tools may include WordPress plugins, Google Analytics, search tools, caching systems, and accessibility enhancements.
6) Third-party services
WAYS may rely on trusted third-party platforms and plugins, including but not limited to:
- WordPress
- Gravity Forms
- WooCommerce
- audio accessibility plugins
- analytics platforms
- payment processors
- spam protection services
These services only receive the information necessary to perform their function.
7) Your rights and content removal
If you submitted a story and later wish to:
- change attribution
- correct details
- request removal
- request anonymization
please contact us and we will make reasonable efforts to honor your request.
Because stories may resonate deeply with readers, editorial decisions regarding permanent removal may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
8) Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy may be directed through the contact form on WhyAreYouSad.com.