Cookie Policy (Beta Release)
Last Updated: 17 October 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit them. They help websites remember information about your visit, like your preferences and login status.
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies BookFellows uses and why. It's part of our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle your personal information more broadly.
Cookies We Use
BookFellows uses several types of cookies to provide and improve our service:
1. Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for BookFellows to work properly. Without them, you wouldn't be able to log in, save your work, or use key features. These cookies don't collect information for marketing purposes.
Examples of what these cookies do:
- Keep you logged in as you move between pages
- Remember your security and authentication status
- Store your session information
- Ensure the site functions correctly
Note: Because these cookies are essential, you can't disable them through our cookie settings. If you block them through your browser, parts of BookFellows may not work properly.
2. Functional Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us remember your preferences and choices to give you a more personalized experience.
Examples of what these cookies do:
- Remember your display preferences (like theme settings)
- Store your language preference
- Remember your recently viewed studies
- Maintain your notification settings
3. Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how people use BookFellows so we can make it better. They collect anonymous information about which pages are visited, how long people stay, and what features they use.
Examples of what these cookies do:
- Count how many people visit different pages
- Track which features are most popular
- Identify areas where people have trouble
- Help us improve the user experience
The information collected by analytics cookies is aggregated and anonymous—we can't use it to identify you personally.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on BookFellows are set by third-party services we use:
Authentication (Clerk)
We use Clerk to handle secure logins. Clerk sets cookies to manage your authentication and keep your account secure. These are essential cookies that we need to verify your identity.
Payment Processing (Polar)
When you manage subscriptions, Polar may set cookies to process payments securely. These cookies are only used during the payment process.
External Links
When you click links to external websites (like Bible Gateway for scripture references), those sites may set their own cookies. We don't control these third-party cookies. Please check those websites' cookie policies for more information.
How Long Do Cookies Last?
Different cookies last for different amounts of time:
- Session cookies: These are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies: These stay on your device until they expire (which varies by cookie) or until you delete them
Most of our cookies are session cookies. Persistent cookies are typically used for things like remembering your login status so you don't have to sign in every time you visit.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
In Your Browser
You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers let you:
- See what cookies are stored on your device
- Delete some or all cookies
- Block third-party cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies from being set
- Delete all cookies when you close your browser
Each browser is different. Here's where to find cookie settings in popular browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Important: If you block all cookies, you won't be able to use BookFellows effectively, as essential features like logging in won't work.
Do Not Track
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that sends a signal to websites requesting not to be tracked. Currently, there's no standard for how websites should respond to these signals. BookFellows doesn't use cookies for behavioral advertising, so this doesn't significantly affect how we operate.
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. When we make changes, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
If we make significant changes, we'll notify you through the platform or by email.
Questions About Cookies?
If you have questions about how BookFellows uses cookies, please contact us:
Quick Summary
In plain English, here's what you need to know:
- ✓ We use essential cookies so BookFellows works properly (you can't disable these)
- ✓ We use optional cookies to remember your preferences and help us improve the site
- ✓ We don't use cookies for advertising or to track you across other websites
- ✓ You can control optional cookies through your account settings or browser
- ✓ Some trusted third parties (like Clerk for login) also set cookies
- ✓ If you have questions, just ask—we're here to help