Just the basics in clear, understandable language. If you prefer the cold, hard legal jargon that makes Google’s black heart beat a little faster, you can find the legalese here.
I’m Dixie Vogel, the very human person behind It’s the Journey. I write about Jehovah’s Witnesses, cults, and DIY spirituality.
While I do my best to provide accurate information, I make mistakes. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to make your own decisions. I’m not your doctor, your nurse, your therapist, or your mother. I’m just a friendly apostate on the internet.
Privacy’s a huge deal here — especially given the sensitive nature of the topics. So protecting your privacy is a top priority. I treat your personal information the same way I’d want mine treated: as private. But there is one notable exception.
All direct communication remains confidential — unless or until it involves threats, harassment, or attempts to cause harm.
Then all bets are off. Unlike that whole child-baptism thing, nobody gets to use my good-faith promises against me with bad-faith obligations.
What Data I Personally Collect
I track general information about how the site is used and how people are finding it. To accomplish this, I use tracking pixels like the ones from Facebook and Google Analytics.
When you reach out, I keep the information I need to respond to your reequest. If you buy something from me, I collect the information necessary to fulfill your order. Nothing shady. Nothing surprising. Just what I need to do what I said I’d do.
If you join my email list, I retain information about your subscription. Obviously. I handle the email lists internally, so there’s no outside exposure of your data. And it goes without saying — but I’ll say it anyway: I never sell, rent, share, or otherwise disclose information about my email subscribers. Armageddon will come first.
What Data Other Sites Collect
Embedded content (like YouTube videos) will track interactions the same way as if you were watching something directly on their site. If you need to be completely under the radar, make sure you’re logged out of YouTube or use a secret account to keep these videos out of your watch history.
Your watching habits will also affect suggested videos in your feed — so be careful out there.
Affiliate Links
When I link to a product, I try to use an affiliate link. That means if you buy through my link, I might get a small commission—at no extra cost to you—helping keep this site afloat.
An affiliate link is not an endorsement, by the way. Endorsement is endorsement. If I recommend something, it’s because I actually like it, own it, or would gladly use it. But whatever I talk about, I’ll use an affiliate link if I’ve got one. You’re more than welcome to buy stuff I don’t and share a cut with me while you’re doing it. 😉
💬 Official keeping-Amazon-happy note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (Because it’s not like I’m going to earn from non-qualifying purchases now, am I?)
Final Note
I’m honored by the trust people place in me. It’s sacred, and I’ll do my best to always deserve it. I’m on your side. And I hope whatever interaction we may have will be of use to you — because that’s why I’m here.
Much love from your favorite verrry exJW.
