What is a Cookie?

This is not a technical description of cookies, but rather seeks to explain in simple terms what they are and why we use them on this site.

What are cookies?

Even simpler version: Cookies are nothing to worry about on our site.

Cookies are small files stored on your computer by your browser - the program that you are using now to read this page. We don't have any access to your computer, nor can we read or write files anywhere we like. Your browser is in complete control of the process - we just ask.

In fact, you can disable cookies if you wish. All browsers have a setting to control this. We do not recommend disabling cookies for the reasons below.

Why do we use Cookies?

We store various information in cookies to make it easier for you to use our site. Without cookies we simply cannot remember information about who you are or what you like.

As an example, if you are a member we store your membership information in an encrypted cookie so that you don't have to sign in every time you visit us (encrypted means that, practically speaking, no-one can read it but us).

There are other minor items we store too, such as the size and position on the screen of your Image Gallery. We do this so that you don't have to position it every time you edit a page.

In other words, cookies are used to help you better use our site. Although cookies have sometimes had a bad press due to advertisers with dubious Privacy Policies, please don't worry. We do not use any third party advertising servers.

Further reading:

• Our Privacy Statement
• How Internet Cookies Work from HowStuffWorks
• Cookies: What they are, Why you are in charge from Microsoft
• Cookies: What they are and how they work from Netscape
• The Unofficial Cookie FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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