Privacy Policy
Preamble
Users registering as members of Story Realm are required to provide limited personal information during the signup process. This Privacy Policy explains our commitment to the security of your information, what information is required, and how it will be protected.
Privacy Commitment
Story Realm is committed to protecting the personal privacy of its members. This Policy is designed in accordance privacy legislation enacted in British Columbia - the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA); privacy guidelines from other jurisdictions may vary.
Modifications to the Privacy Policy
Story Realm retains the right to amend, modify and update this policy and will regularly review the information herein and make necessary revisions. Notice of change will be posted on the website.
Privacy Department
For privacy related inquiries, concerns about this Policy, or alleged violations of your privacy, contact our Privacy Department.
Please use the support page to send us your concerns.
Personal Consent
The User is implying consent for Story Realm to collect and store limited personal information when entering data into information fields during the membership sign up process. If you do not want Story Realm to collect such information, do not register for membership on the website.
What We Collect
Personal information collected during the registration process and/or a store purchase includes:
1. User name and password
2. Your name, mailing address, and phone number
3. Purchasing information such as billing/shipping address and credit card data
4. If you become eligible for royalties, additional information collected for deposit purposes includes:
a) Name of your banking institution
b) Direct deposit banking information
Use of Personal Information
Your Personal Information is used to:
1. Create and manage your user account,
2. Process your online purchases,
3. Initiate marketing research to improve our level of service,
4. Assist in updating existing technologies,
5. Enter story contests or competitions,
6. Provide compensation if you are a contributor,
7. Communicate with you regarding account status, such as outstanding fees, purchase information, etc
Non-personal Information
When you visit and use the website, non-personal information such as your IP address, Browser data, technical info, and on site navigational preferences and activities will be automatically collected and used for statistical purposes.
Storage of Personal Information
All personal information collected by Story Realm is processed and stored on our secure servers. You may access and modify your personal information at anytime by visiting your account page. If you are terminating your membership and want to have your personal information deleted, please contact our Privacy Department.
Disclosure
Story Realm does not disclose any of your personal information to third-party websites. Personal information submitted may be disclosed to third party organizations who assist Story Realm in the day to day activities of website operation, such as financial institutions who process purchase transactions and data storage facilities. These approved third party organizations may use personal information only for the express purposes described above.
In the event Story Realm is ordered to provide personal information by Government Agencies or a Court of Law, whether in Canada or the USA, Story Realm will cooperate with those Agencies and any court of competent jurisdiction as required by law.
Third Party Web Links
Story Realm does not assume responsibility for Privacy Policies and practices of any third party websites for which we provide links. We strongly encourage our members to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of these third party sites and direct any concerns or inquiries to them.
Personal Choice and Access
Members are under no obligation to provide non-essential information and are entitled to decline participation in Story Realm promotions, contests, surveys, questions or any other marketing activity. A member who prefers not to receive notification for these activities can remove their name from the general listing by:
1. Declining such offers during the registration process
2. Updating your profile within your account
Safety for Children
Other than a username and password, no information is collected for children under the age of 18 years without verifiable parental consent, and such information is used solely for activities pertaining to membership. The type and use of information collected is described previously under "What We Collect" and "Use of Personal Information."
Any parent or legal guardian can access and/or obtain personal information collected and stored for their child by contacting our Privacy Department. A parent or legal guardian can also request deletion of this information and specify no further collection of data.
Security
Story Realm employs a variety of security measures to ensure all personal information submitted is safe and secure. Password protected directories safeguard personal account activity, but the member is responsible to protect and manage his or her own password.
Access to and use of a member's personal information is limited to Story Realm staff and personnel who are engaged to provide a service to you. Neither a staff member nor any other person has access to your password data. Password data is encrypted and resetting or changing of a password is an automated process.
All staff and other personnel must sign legally binding nondisclosure agreements designed to protect member confidentiality and to prohibit unauthorized use. Online business transactions use an encryption process and other industry standard technologies such as Secure Socket Layering (SSL) to ensure credit card purchases and other billing information is kept secure. Data storage is maintained on a secure server.
Cookies
Cookies are small files downloaded from our server and stored on your computer hard drive by your Web browser(s). Cookies enable Story Realm to recognize your browser and record your site preferences to enhance your browsing experience. Two types of Cookies are primarily used - Session Cookies and Persistent Cookies.
Session Cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent Cookies remain on your hard drive until their expiration date; Story Realm only uses session cookies to provide a user with the "Remember Me" login option. A member is not obligated to accept Cookies and may decline their use by setting a web browser to refuse such items. Certain interactive functions on the Story Realm site do require acceptance of cookies to operate interactive media features.
Blogs and Guilds
Blogs provide a venue for constructive interaction and feedback. Any member posting interactive comments or observations containing personal information takes full responsibility for unsolicited messages from other members and the potential for inappropriate use.