I have installed Google Analytics on my site. This gives me information including:
- How many people have visited my site
- What they were searching for when they came to my site
- What links they used from my site.
- How long they stayed reading my site.
My intention is to use the information from the analytics to write more about what people want: for instance, I have discovered that people are searching for recipes, so I plan to put more recipes onto the site.
In order to collect this information, Google puts a ‘cookie’ onto your computer. If you don’t want to participate in this, you can set your browser to block cookies.
Google have asked that I post the following statement from them onto the site:
“This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses “cookies”, which are text files placed on your computer, to help the website analyze how users use the site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States . Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser, however please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above.”
As I said, I’m only interested in collecting information that helps me to make a site that people want to read, but if you don’t want to participate, you can block cookies.
Helen Johnson