Privacy & cookies
What this site collects, why, and what you can do about it. Last updated 22 October 2026.
Who we are
Read vs Listen ("we", "us") is an independent website operated by Beth Kempster, a sole trader based in the United Kingdom. For the purposes of the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, we are the data controller for personal data collected through this site. You can contact us at hello@readvslisten.com.
What we collect
If you email us
We receive your email address, your name if you give it, and whatever you write. We use this only to reply to you.
If you use the contact or feedback forms
We receive what you enter: your email address, and your name if you give it, the reason for your message, the book it is about and what you write, or your answers to the site feedback questions, which do not ask for your name or email. We use this only to reply to you and to improve the site. It is stored by our web host, Netlify, which also records the IP address and browser details sent with it as part of its spam protection.
If you vote on a verdict
Agree and disagree votes are counted anonymously. We store only the running totals for each book, never who voted. Your browser remembers which way you voted, so the same vote is not counted twice. If you add a comment after voting, it is stored by Netlify in the same way as the forms above.
If you join the app list
If you ask to hear when the app launches, we store your email address, the fact that you ticked the consent box, and the date. We use it only to email you about the app. You can ask us to remove you at any time by emailing hello@readvslisten.com or replying to any email we send. The list is stored by our web host, Netlify, which also records the IP address and browser details sent with the sign-up as part of its spam protection.
If you ask to hear when a verdict goes live
If a search finds no verdict and you ask us to email you when it is published, we store your email address, the book you searched for, whether you ticked the box for verdicts on books like it, and the date. We use it to send you one email when that verdict goes live. If you ticked the box, we may also email you verdicts for similar books. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying to any email we send or by emailing hello@readvslisten.com. This is stored by our web host, Netlify, which also records the IP address and browser details sent with it as part of its spam protection.
Books you search for
When a search on this site finds no write-up, we keep a note of what was searched for, which page it came from and when, so we know which books to write about next. We don't ask for, or attach, your name or email. This note is stored by Netlify, which records the IP address and browser details sent with it as part of its spam protection.
Information collected automatically
Our web host, Netlify, records standard server logs when you visit: your IP address, browser type, the pages you requested and when. These are used to keep the site running securely.
We use PostHog, hosted in the EU, to understand how the site is used: which pages are viewed, which buttons are clicked and what is typed into the search boxes. PostHog is set up so that it does not set cookies or store anything on your device, and we do not use it to build profiles of individual visitors. Like any web service, it receives standard request details such as your IP address and browser type.
Google Analytics runs only if you click Accept on our cookie banner. See below.
Information stored on your device
We store small items in your browser: your cookie choice, so we don't ask you again on every page, and, if you vote on a verdict, which way you voted. The Read vs Listen app is offline while we finish it. If you used it before, it stored your saved books and preferences in your browser, and kept a copy of your saved books against an anonymous ID with no name or email attached. You can remove the copy on your device at any time by clearing your browser's data for app.readvslisten.com, or email us to delete the stored copy.
Cookies
| Type | What it does | Needs your consent? |
|---|---|---|
| Your cookie choice (browser storage) | Remembers whether you accepted or rejected analytics cookies. | No, this is strictly necessary |
| Your verdict votes (browser storage) | Remembers which way you voted on a verdict, so your vote is not counted twice. Only set if you vote. | No, this is strictly necessary |
Google Analytics (_ga cookies) | Counts visits and shows which verdicts people find useful, in aggregate. | Yes. Set only after you click Accept |
| Amazon (third party) | Set by Amazon after you click through to Amazon.co.uk or Audible, so a purchase can be credited to this site. | Handled by Amazon on its own site |
You can change your mind at any time using Cookie settings, which is also at the foot of every page. If you reject analytics after accepting, we remove the Google Analytics cookies from your browser.
Google Analytics data is processed by Google, which may transfer it to the United States, and is kept for no longer than 14 months.
Amazon affiliate links
Some links on this site take you to a Kindle or audiobook edition on Amazon.co.uk or Audible. If you buy through one of them we may earn a small commission. Once you are on Amazon's site, Amazon may set cookies and collect information about your visit under its own privacy notice.
We never receive your name, address, payment details or the contents of your basket. We see only aggregate reporting about clicks and orders. Please read Amazon's privacy notice.
Once you leave this site by following a link, this privacy policy no longer applies.
Our lawful bases
- Consent. For Google Analytics cookies, for emails about the app launch, and for emails telling you a verdict has gone live or sharing verdicts for similar books.
- Legitimate interests. For keeping the site secure, understanding how it is used without cookies, keeping a list of books people search for, and replying to messages you send us.
- Legal obligation. Where we are required to keep records.
Who we share it with
We do not sell your personal data and we never will. We use these service providers, only as far as needed:
| Provider | What for | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Netlify | Hosting the site, server logs, the app list, verdict alerts, the book-request list, messages and feedback sent through the site, and verdict vote totals | United States |
| PostHog | Cookie-free analytics | European Union |
| Google Analytics, only if you accept | United States | |
| Our email provider | Sending and receiving email | Varies |
Where data goes outside the UK, the transfer is covered by appropriate safeguards such as the UK International Data Transfer Addendum, the UK Extension to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, or an adequacy decision.
How long we keep it
- App list emails: until the app launches and for up to 12 months after, or until you ask us to remove you, whichever is sooner.
- Verdict alerts: until we have sent the email, or 12 months if the verdict has not been published by then. If you asked for verdicts on similar books, until you unsubscribe.
- Book requests: up to 12 months.
- Emails and messages you send us: as long as needed to deal with your query, then deleted.
- Site feedback and verdict comments: up to 12 months.
- Server logs: a short period, for security.
- Google Analytics: no longer than 14 months.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have the right to access the personal data we hold about you, to have it corrected or erased, to restrict or object to how we use it, to data portability, and to withdraw consent at any time where consent is the basis we rely on. To exercise any of these, email hello@readvslisten.com. We'll respond within one month.
If you're unhappy with how we've handled your data you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
Children
This site is not directed at children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect personal data from them.
Changes to this policy
If we change this policy we'll update the date at the top of the page. Material changes will be flagged on the site.