Last updated: September 2026
This Privacy Policy explains what information Release Auction collects, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to this auction site, where the WordPress community bids on framed release-squad albums to support Stimpunks.
Who runs this auction
Release Auction is a community charity auction organized by Anne McCarthy. The site is built on WordPress and hosted on WordPress.com infrastructure. You can reach us about privacy questions through our contact form.
What we collect
We collect only the information needed to run the auction and respond to you:
- Account information — when you create an account to bid, we collect your chosen username, your name, and your email address.
- Bid information — the amount you bid, when you bid, and which album you bid on. Your bidder name is shown on the album page as the current leading bidder, so other visitors can see who is winning.
- Contact form messages — when you use the contact form, we collect your name, email address, and the message you send.
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- Run the auction, record bids, and show the current highest bid and leading bidder.
- Identify the winner of each album when the auction closes and contact them to arrange donating the winning amount to Stimpunks and shipping the album.
- Reply to inquiries and messages you send through the contact form.
- Maintain and improve the site and keep it secure.
How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only where necessary to operate the site and the auction:
- WordPress.com hosts the site, so your account and site activity are stored on WordPress.com infrastructure under Automattic’s privacy practices.
- Jetpack processes contact form submissions on our behalf.
- WooCommerce provides the account and product features that store your account and bid data.
Because the auction is a charity event, winners are asked to donate the winning amount directly to Stimpunks. We do not collect or store your payment details, and we do not pass your information to Stimpunks unless you give it to them yourself when you donate.
Cookies
The site uses cookies to keep you logged in to your account and to support the account and form features. These are functional cookies; we do not use them for advertising or to build profiles of you.
How long we keep your data
We keep your account information for as long as your account is active, and bid records for as long as they are needed to run and complete the auction and verify results. Contact form messages are kept for a reasonable period so we can respond and follow up. You can ask us to delete your data at any time.
Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, export, or delete the personal information we hold about you, and to object to or restrict certain uses. To exercise any of these rights, use the contact form and we will respond.
Children’s privacy
This site is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
Contact
For any privacy questions or requests, use the contact form.