Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, improve functionality, and provide analytics about site usage. Michigan Spots uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the Platform to function and cannot be disabled:

• Session Management: Maintains your login state via Reddit authentication
• Security: Protects against CSRF attacks and ensures secure connections
• Form Functionality: Remembers form inputs during multi-step processes
• Cookie Consent: Records your cookie preferences

2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)

These cookies enhance functionality and personalization:

• User Preferences: Remembers your display settings and language preferences
• City Selection: Stores your Michigan city for personalized challenges
• UI State: Remembers collapsed/expanded sections and view preferences

2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how users interact with the Platform:

• Usage Analytics: Tracks page views, popular features, and navigation patterns
• Performance Monitoring: Identifies technical issues and load times
• A/B Testing: Tests different features to improve user experience

Analytics data is anonymized and aggregated. We use Cloudflare Analytics, which respects user privacy.

2.4 Marketing Cookies (Optional)

These cookies support promotional activities:

• Campaign Tracking: Measures effectiveness of marketing campaigns
• Referral Source: Identifies how you found Michigan Spots
• Social Media Integration: Enables sharing features on social platforms

3. Third-Party Cookies

Michigan Spots integrates with third-party services that may set their own cookies:

4. How to Manage Cookies

4.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit Michigan Spots, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can accept all cookies, reject optional cookies, or customize your preferences. Your choice is saved and you can change it anytime by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer.

4.2 Browser Settings

You can also manage cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions

Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent the Platform from functioning correctly.

4.3 Mobile Devices

On mobile devices, you can manage cookies through your browser app's settings or device privacy settings.

5. Cookie Duration

Cookies may be session-based (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent (stored for a set period):

• Session Cookies: Authentication, security tokens (deleted after session ends)
• Short-term Persistent: Form data, UI preferences (7-30 days)
• Long-term Persistent: Cookie consent preferences, login state (up to 1 year)

6. Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals websites you don't want to be tracked. Michigan Spots respects DNT signals by limiting analytics and marketing cookie usage when DNT is enabled.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

8. Contact Us

For questions about our use of cookies, contact:
Cozyartz Media Group
Battle Creek, Michigan
Email: privacy@michiganspots.com