What is a cookie?

Cookies are small pieces of data, stored in text files, that are stored on your computer or other device when websites are loaded in a browser. They are used to "remember" you and your preferences, either for a single visit or for multiple repeat visits. Websites and emails may also contain other tracking technologies such as "web beacons" or "pixels." These are typically small transparent images that provide us with statistics, for similar purposes as cookies. They are often used in conjunction with cookies, though they are not stored on your computer in the same way as cookies. As a result, if you disable cookies, web beacons may still load, but their functionality will be restricted.

How do we use cookies?

We use cookies for several different purposes. Some cookies are necessary for technical reasons, some enable a personalized experience for both registered and unregistered users. And some allow the display of advertising from selected third party networks. Some of these cookies may be set when a page is loaded, or when a user takes a particular action on on the website. Many of the cookies we use are only set if you are a registered user, while others are set whenever you visit our website (irrespective of whether you have an account).

What types of cookies do we use?

• Necessary - cookies that are essential to provide you with services you have requested. These include the cookies that make it possible for you to stay logged into your account and make comments. If you set your browser to block these cookies, then these functions and services will not work for you.
• Functionality - these cookies are used to store preferences set by users such as account name, language and location.
• Performance - cookies that collect information on how users interact with our website, including what pages are visited most, as well as other analytical data. We use these details to improve how our service function and to understand how users interact with our website.
• Advertising - these cookies are used to display relevant advertising to users who use our service, as well as to understand and report on the efficacy of ads served on our website. They track details such as the number of unique visitors, the number of times particular ads have been displayed, and the number of clicks the ads have received.
• Third party - services hosted by us make use of different third party applications and services to enhance the experience of website visitors. These include social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter (through the use of sharing buttons). As a result, cookies may be set by these third parties, and used by them to track your online activity. We have no direct control over the information that is collected by these cookies.