Last Updated: June 24, 2025

At Stage of Fools, we value your privacy and are committed to complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable privacy laws. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you visit stageoffools.com. By using our website, you agree to the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Information: When you voluntarily provide it, such as through contact forms (via Contact Form 7), newsletter sign-ups (via MailPoet), or comments, we may collect your name, email address, or other details you submit.
  • Non-Personal Information: We collect anonymized data through cookies and similar technologies, including your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on our site.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Our website uses cookies to enhance functionality, analyze performance, and deliver personalized ads. We use WPConsent to manage cookie preferences, allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. See our Cookie Policy (below) for details.
  • Form Submissions: Contact Form 7, Flamingo, and hCaptcha may collect data you submit (e.g., name, email) to process inquiries or prevent spam. Flamingo stores form submissions on our server.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Operate and improve our website’s functionality and content.
  • Respond to inquiries or comments submitted via Contact Form 7.
  • Send newsletters or promotional emails via MailPoet (if you opt in; you can unsubscribe at any time).
  • Analyze website performance and user behavior using Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Ahrefs analytics.
  • Deliver personalized ads through Google AdSense (if enabled).
  • Enhance security and prevent spam using plugins like Loginizer, hCaptcha, and CF7-AntiSpam.
  • Optimize SEO and site structure with Yoast SEO and Schema Scalpel.
  • Comply with legal obligations under GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use WPConsent to ensure compliance with GDPR and CCPA cookie consent requirements. On your first visit, a cookie banner allows you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. Essential cookies, necessary for site functionality, are enabled by default and do not require consent. Non-essential cookies include:

  • Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Ahrefs to track site usage and performance (e.g., page views, bounce rates).
  • Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense to deliver targeted ads based on your browsing behavior.
  • Functional Cookies: Enable features like form submissions (Contact Form 7, hCaptcha) or newsletter sign-ups (MailPoet).

You can manage your preferences via the WPConsent settings link in our footer. See our Cookie Policy (below) for more details.

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services, which may collect or process data:

  • Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager: Track and analyze website traffic and user behavior. Data is anonymized unless you consent to tracking cookies via WPConsent. See Google’s Privacy Policy.
  • Google AdSense: Delivers personalized ads based on your browsing activity (if enabled). Ads are disabled until you consent to advertising cookies. See Google’s Privacy Policy.
  • Ahrefs Analytics: Monitors site performance and SEO metrics. Data collection is anonymized unless otherwise specified.
  • MailPoet: Manages newsletter subscriptions and sends promotional emails (if you opt in). See MailPoet’s Privacy Policy.
  • hCaptcha: Protects forms from spam and may collect device or interaction data for verification. See hCaptcha’s Privacy Policy.
  • Google Site Kit: Integrates Google services (Analytics, AdSense, Tag Manager) and may collect usage data. See Google’s Privacy Policy.

WPConsent blocks non-essential scripts from these services until you provide consent. Please review each service’s privacy policy for more information.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share your data:

  • With service providers (e.g., hosting providers, MailPoet, Google) who process data on our behalf and are contractually obligated to protect it.
  • To comply with legal obligations, such as responding to lawful requests or protecting our rights.
  • In the event of a business transfer (e.g., merger or acquisition), where your data may be transferred to the new entity.

6. Your Rights Under GDPR and CCPA

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

  • GDPR (EU Residents):
    • Access, correct, or delete your personal data.
    • Restrict or object to data processing.
    • Request data portability.
    • Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., for cookies or newsletters).
  • CCPA (California Residents):
    • Request disclosure of personal information collected, used, or shared.
    • Request deletion of your personal information.
    • Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data).

To exercise your rights, contact us using the contact form below. We will respond within the legally required timeframe (30 days for GDPR, 45 days for CCPA).

7. Data Security

We use plugins like Loginizer and CF7-AntiSpam to enhance site security, alongside secure hosting and encryption where applicable. However, no online system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

  • Form Submissions: Stored by Flamingo until you request deletion or we no longer need them for the original purpose.
  • Newsletter Data: Retained by MailPoet until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
  • Analytics Data: Anonymized data from Google Analytics and Ahrefs may be retained indefinitely; identifiable data is deleted per their retention policies or your request.
  • Cookies: Managed by WPConsent and stored based on your consent settings (typically up to 12 months).

9. International Data Transfers

If you are outside the United States, your data may be transferred to servers in the United States, where our hosting provider or third-party services (e.g., Google, MailPoet) operate. We use safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses to comply with GDPR for international transfers.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in certain jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated via a website notice or email (if applicable). The updated policy is effective as of the “Last Updated” date above.

12. Contact Us

For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us at:

    Last Updated: June 24, 2025

    We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze performance, and deliver personalized ads on stageoffools.com. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use WPConsent to ensure compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws by managing cookie consent.

    Types of Cookies We Use

    • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (e.g., navigation, security via Loginizer, form submissions via Contact Form 7). These cannot be disabled.
    • Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Ahrefs to collect anonymized data on site usage (e.g., page views, bounce rates). Enabled only with your consent.
    • Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense to deliver targeted ads. Enabled only with your consent.
    • Functional Cookies: Support features like newsletter sign-ups (MailPoet) or spam protection (hCaptcha, CF7-AntiSpam). Enabled only with your consent.

    Managing Cookies

    On your first visit, WPConsent displays a cookie banner where you can accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can update your preferences at any time via the cookie settings link in our footer. You can also manage cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect site functionality.

    Third-Party Cookies

    The following services may set cookies, which WP Offensive Security ServicesWPConsent blocks until you consent:

    • Google Analytics/Tag Manager: Tracks site usage.
    • Google AdSense: Delivers ads.
    • Ahrefs: Analyzes SEO performance.
    • hCaptcha: Verifies form submissions.

    Review the privacy policies of these services for details.

    Essential

    Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.

    Cookie IDPurposeDuration
    wpconsent_preferencesThis cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.30 days

    Comments

    These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.

    Cookie IDPurposeDuration
    comment_authorUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Session
    comment_author_emailUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Session
    comment_author_urlUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Session

    Google Tag Manager

    Google Tag Manager simplifies the management of marketing tags on your website without code changes.

    Cookie IDPurposeDuration
    cookiePreferencesRegisters cookie preferences of a user2 years
    tdRegisters statistical data on users' behaviour on the website. Used for internal analytics by the website operator.session

    Statistics

    Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.

    Google Analytics

    Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.

    Learn more
    Cookie IDPurposeDuration
    _gac_Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.90 days
    __utmaID used to identify users and sessions2 years after last activity
    __utmtUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests10 minutes
    __utmbUsed to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.30 minutes after last activity
    __utmcUsed only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.End of session (browser)
    __utmzContains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server6 months after last activity
    __utmvContains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.2 years after last activity
    __utmxUsed to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.18 months
    _gaID used to identify users2 years
    _galiUsed by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked30 seconds
    _ga_ID used to identify users2 years
    _gidID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity24 hours
    _gatUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager1 minute