This privacy policy explains how WoodCentral.com collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit or use our website. The site is powered by WordPress, Piwigo, and ForkBB (our forum software).
Information we collect
We may collect the following types of information:
- Automatically collected data
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on the site
- Referring website
- Date and time of access
- Information you provide
- When you register for the forum (ForkBB) or gallery (Piwigo): username, email address, and password (stored hashed)
- Profile information you voluntarily add (e.g., display name, location, website, or avatar)
- Content you post in the forum, comments on WordPress articles, or photos and descriptions uploaded to Piwigo
- Any direct messages or private communications sent through the forum
- Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies to remember your login status, forum preferences, theme choices, and to maintain your session. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
How we use your information
Your information is used to:
- Provide and improve the services (forum, gallery, articles, search, etc.)
- Manage user accounts and authentication
- Prevent spam and abuse
- Respond to support requests
- Analyze site usage and trends (we do not sell data)
- Comply with legal obligations
Third-party services and sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We may share information only in these limited cases:
- With service providers who help operate the site (e.g., web hosting, backup services) under strict data-processing agreements
- When required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of WoodCentral, our users, or the public
- In the event of a business transfer (merger, acquisition, or sale of assets)
Analytics: We currently do not use Google Analytics or any external tracking services that profile users across sites. All analytics are processed on our own servers.
Embedded content: Articles may contain embedded videos (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). These providers may collect data about your interaction with the content.
Data retention
- Account information and forum posts are kept indefinitely unless you request deletion (subject to our legitimate interest in maintaining the community archive).
- You may request deletion of your account and associated personal data. Some content (posts, photos, comments) may remain visible as “Guest” or be anonymized to preserve the value of discussions and the gallery.
Your rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to or restrict certain processing
- Data portability (where technically feasible)
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the Contact Us form.
Security
We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Children’s privacy
Our site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such data, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.
Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The revised version will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.
Effective date: April 2025
WoodCentral.com is owned and operated by Ellis Walentine.
For questions about this policy, please use our Contact Us form.
