Cookie Policy
This policy explains how Elkane Letters uses cookies and similar technologies when you read pages on this site. It details which categories of cookies are present, what each one does, and the options available to you as a reader.
What Cookies Are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a web page. They allow a site to recognise your device on return visits and to retain certain preferences between sessions. Cookies do not execute code and cannot read files stored elsewhere on your device.
Similar technologies — such as pixel tags and local storage — serve comparable purposes and are subject to the same principles described in this policy. When this document refers to "cookies" it includes these related technologies unless specified otherwise.
Cookies are set either by Elkane Letters directly (first-party cookies) or by third-party services embedded in the publication's pages, such as analytics and content delivery platforms (third-party cookies). Both categories are described in detail below.
Cookie Categories
Strictly Necessary
Always ActiveThese cookies are required for the site to function. They manage session continuity, remember your cookie consent preference, and ensure that page requests are handled correctly. Because they are essential to the processing of the publication, they cannot be disabled through the cookie banner.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| elk_consent | Stores your cookie consent choice | 12 months |
| elk_session | Maintains active reading session | Session |
| PHPSESSID | Standard server session identifier | Session |
Functional
OptionalFunctional cookies allow the site to remember choices you make during your visit, such as preferred reading font size or menu state. Disabling these cookies will not prevent you from accessing content, though certain conveniences may not persist between visits.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| elk_prefs | Stores reading interface preferences | 6 months |
| elk_nav | Remembers navigation state | Session |
Analytics
OptionalAnalytics cookies allow Elkane Letters to understand how readers navigate the publication — which articles are read most, how long pages are engaged with, and where readers arrive from. This data is aggregated and does not identify individual readers. It is used solely to inform editorial decisions about which topics to develop further.
| Name | Provider | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics — unique visitor ID | 24 months |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics — session state | 24 months |
| _gid | Google Analytics — daily visitor distinction | 24 hours |
Managing Your Preferences
When you first visit Elkane Letters, a consent banner presents three options: accept all cookies, accept a partial selection, or accept functional cookies only. Your choice is stored in the elk_consent cookie for twelve months and will be respected on all subsequent visits.
To change your choice at any time, use the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of any page. This reopens the consent banner and allows you to revise your selection. The previous preference is immediately overwritten.
You may also manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to view, block, or delete cookies stored on your device. Consult your browser's help documentation for specific instructions. Note that blocking all cookies will prevent the consent preference from being saved, which means the banner will reappear on each visit.
For Google Analytics specifically, you may opt out of data collection by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Third-Party Services
Certain pages on Elkane Letters embed content from third-party services. These services may set their own cookies independently of the choices made in the Elkane Letters consent banner. Elkane Letters does not control these third-party cookies.
The following third-party services may be present on this publication:
- — Google Analytics — aggregated usage analytics. Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
- — Google Maps — location embedding on the Contact page. Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
- — Google Fonts — typeface delivery. Requests are made to Google servers; IP addresses may be logged. Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
- — jsDelivr CDN / unpkg — delivery of open-source libraries. Standard access logs may be retained by the CDN operator.
To limit third-party cookie exposure, consider using a browser extension that blocks known tracking domains, or consult your browser's privacy settings for options to restrict cross-site data sharing.
Contact & Updates
Elkane Letters is an independent editorial publication. Questions about this cookie policy may be directed to the editorial address below. We aim to respond to written queries within ten working days.
This cookie policy was last revised on 10 April 2026. When material changes are made, the revision date at the top of this page is updated. Continued use of the publication after a revision constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Elkane Letters is an independent editorial publication. This policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.