Privacy page

Last tidied: 12 July 2026.

The Jester Bench is a small hobby blog run from Melbourne by two people. We collect almost nothing, and this page explains the "almost". We aim to comply with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles — not because we're a big organisation that must, but because it's the decent way to run a letterbox.

What we collect, and only when you hand it to us

The site itself doesn't require an account and doesn't profile you. Information reaches us in exactly three ways, all voluntary:

• The hello form and tip form: whatever name, email address and message you choose to type. An email address is optional on the hello form — leave it out and we simply can't reply.
• The letters form: your first name, optionally your town, and your letter. If a letter runs in the Bench Post it appears with first name and town only, exactly as you gave them.
• The Bench Post subscription: your email address, used solely to send the fortnightly newsletter.

What we do with it

We read your message, possibly aloud, over tea. We reply if a reply makes sense and you've given us an address to reply to. Newsletter addresses are used for the newsletter and nothing else — no "partner offers", no lending the list to anyone, ever. Tips about games are kept on a corkboard queue until reviewed or retired.

What we never do

We do not sell, rent, swap or otherwise share your personal information with anyone. We don't run advertising networks. We don't build marketing profiles. We don't send your data overseas, unless you count the email provider's servers, which are covered below.

Where it lives and how long

Messages and subscriptions sit in our email account and newsletter tool, both password-protected with two-factor authentication, accessible only to Rosie and Tom. Correspondence is deleted after two years of inactivity. Newsletter addresses are deleted immediately when you unsubscribe — every edition carries a one-click unsubscribe link that actually works.

Cookies and counting

The short version: one small stored preference to remember your cookie choice, and optional anonymous visit counting. The full and honest inventory lives on our cookie page.

Your rights

Under the Australian Privacy Principles you may ask us what we hold about you, ask us to correct it, or ask us to delete it. Email [email protected] with "privacy" anywhere in the subject and we'll sort it within a fortnight — usually much faster, kettle permitting. If you believe we've mishandled your information and we can't resolve it together, you can complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au.

Children

The blog is written for adult readers of gentle games. We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 16; if you believe a young person has written to us with personal details, let us know and we'll delete the lot.

Changes to this page

If we ever change how we handle information, we'll update this page and note the change in the next Bench Post. The "last tidied" date at the top always tells you when we last touched it.

Who to talk to

The Jester Bench — Suite 3, 45 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Email: [email protected].