Privacy Policy

The Maverick Mapmaker • Last updated: January 2026

The Short Version

I collect only what I need to send you emails and run this publication. I don’t sell your data. I don’t spam you. I treat your information the way I’d want mine treated.

If that’s enough for you, great. If you want the details, keep reading.

Who’s Responsible

This publication is operated by Jurgen Appelo, based in the European Union. For privacy purposes, I’m the data controller.

What I Collect

When you subscribe:

• Your email address

• Your name (if you provide it)

• Whether you’re a free or paid subscriber

• Subscription dates and status

When you pay:

• Payment is handled by Substack and Stripe. I don’t see or store your credit card details. I only receive confirmation that you’ve paid and what tier you’re on.

When you read:

• Substack collects analytics (opens, clicks, etc.) to help me understand what resonates.

When you comment or reply:

• Whatever you write becomes part of the conversation. Don’t share anything you wouldn’t want public.

Where Your Data Lives

Substack: The primary platform. Your subscription data, email delivery, and payments all run through Substack’s infrastructure (based in the US). Substack’s privacy policy applies to their handling of your data.

Fibery: I sync subscriber data to Fibery, a project management and database tool, for my own record-keeping and to manage the publication. Fibery’s servers are located in the European Union, which means your data is stored and processed under EU data protection standards.

Email: Substack handles email delivery. I don’t export your email to third-party marketing tools.

Why I Use Your Data

• To send you the newsletter (obviously)

• To manage subscriptions and deliver paid benefits

• To understand what topics resonate (via aggregated analytics)

• To respond if you contact me

• To keep records for accounting and legal compliance

That’s it. No profiling, no ad targeting, no selling to third parties.

Your Rights (Especially If You’re in the EU/UK)

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your data — ask me what I have

• Correct inaccuracies — let me know if something’s wrong

• Delete your data — unsubscribe and request deletion

• Export your data — I can provide what I have in a readable format

• Object to processing — though if you object to receiving emails, unsubscribing is easier

• Withdraw consent — anytime, by unsubscribing

To exercise any of these rights, just email me. I’ll respond within 30 days.

Cookies and Tracking

Substack uses cookies for functionality (keeping you logged in, etc.) and analytics. I don’t add additional tracking. For specifics, see Substack’s cookie policy.

Third Parties

I use:

• Substack — for publishing, email, payments, and analytics

• Stripe — for payment processing (via Substack)

• Fibery — for subscriber data management (EU-based)

I don’t sell, rent, or share your personal data with anyone else.

Data Retention

I keep subscriber data as long as you’re subscribed. If you unsubscribe, your data is removed from my active systems within 90 days, though backups and legal records may retain it longer as required.

If you’re a paid subscriber, I keep transaction records for accounting and tax purposes (typically 7 years, depending on jurisdiction).

Security

I use reasonable measures to protect your data. Substack and Stripe handle the heavy lifting for payments and email. Fibery uses encryption and EU-based servers. But no system is perfectly secure — if something goes wrong, I’ll notify affected subscribers as required by law.

Children

This publication isn’t aimed at anyone under 16. If you’re under 16, please don’t subscribe. If I learn I’ve collected data from a minor, I’ll delete it.

Changes to This Policy

I may update this policy occasionally. If I do, I’ll note the date at the top. Significant changes will be announced via email or a post.

Contact

Questions about your data? Want to exercise your rights? Just reply to any email or reach out via the social links on the site.

— Jurgen Appelo
The Maverick Mapmaker

This publication is hosted on Substack. For Substack’s own privacy practices, see their Privacy Policy.