About this site

About this site

Living Hobbies is an independent publication launched in April 2023


There are many reasons to take up a hobby. Relaxation and stress relief through an enjoyable escape. Building social connections with others who share the same interests. Personal growth and learning new skills and knowledge. An outlet for creativity and self-expression.

For me, these are all true. For as long as I can remember, I've always maintained a variety of hobbies and sustained interests. As I (grudgingly) approach middle age, these interests have changed and evolved. I've found greater satisfaction in what I call Living Hobbies. Things like aquariums, gardening, and houseplants. Hobbies that provide opportunities to slow down and connect with natural processes. But with a certain level of control and creativity. To cultivate and interact with miniature ecosystems.

Connect. Create. Cultivate.

As I continue to explore and learn about these Living Hobbies, I hope this space can grow into a hub for others. Here I'll collect and share information I've learned, assemble easy to follow guides that I think might be helpful, and post my own thoughts on all the diverse and creative approaches that others take with their hobbies.


Topics that I love to learn about:

  • Aquariums and Fish Keeping
  • Aquatic Plants
  • Houseplants
  • Gardening
  • Paludariums and Vivariums
  • Self-sufficiency and DIY
  • New Technologies that support Hobbies
  • Turning Hobbies into a Side-Hustle

    -Steve

PRIVACY

Privacy Policy for LivingHobbies.com

Last Updated: April 13, 2023

LivingHobbies.com ("we," "us," or "our") values the privacy of our users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose your information when you visit our website and use our services (collectively, the "Services"). By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Services.

1. Information We Collect

When you use our Services, we may collect the following types of information:

a. Personal Data: When you voluntarily subscribe to our website and email newsletter, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information, such as your email address. We will use this information to send you newsletters, updates, and other promotional materials.

b. Usage Data: We may collect information about how you access and use our Services, including your IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, and other similar information. We may also use third-party services, such as Google Analytics, to help us analyze this data.

2. Use of Cookies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on our Services and hold certain information. Cookies are files with a small amount of data that may include an anonymous unique identifier. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Services.

3. Use of Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to help us analyze and understand how you use our Services. Google Analytics collects information such as your IP address, browser type, and the pages you visit on our website. This information is used to improve our Services and provide a better experience for our users. You can read more about how Google Analytics collects and processes data at www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/.

4. Use of Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

a. Provide, maintain, and improve our Services; b. Personalize your experience on our Services; c. Send you newsletters, updates, and promotional materials; d. Monitor and analyze usage and trends to improve your experience with our Services; e. Detect, prevent, and address technical issues.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

We will not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

a. To comply with a legal obligation, such as a court order, subpoena, or search warrant; b. To protect and defend our rights or property; c. To prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with our Services; d. To protect the personal safety of users of our Services or the public; e. To protect against legal liability.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

7. Links to Other Sites

Our Services may contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that third party's site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of every site you visit. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 13 ("Children"). We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from children without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.

10. Your Rights

You may have certain rights under applicable data protection laws, including the right to access, correct, update, or delete your personal information. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [your email address]. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with any applicable laws.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

By email: livinghobbiesblog @ gmail.com (remove spaces)

This Privacy Policy was last updated on April 13, 2023. Any changes to this Privacy Policy will be posted on this page, and your continued use of our Services after any changes have been posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.


DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer for LivingHobbies.com

Please read this disclaimer carefully before using the LivingHobbies.com website (the "Website") operated by Living Hobbies ("us," "we," or "our").

1. No Professional Advice

The information and materials available on the Website, including but not limited to articles, posts, videos, images, and other content (collectively, the "Content"), are for general informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon as, professional advice or guidance. The authors of the Content are not professionals, experts, or certified practitioners in the fields or subjects discussed, and their opinions and recommendations should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.

2. No Warranties or Guarantees

While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information, we make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the Content for any specific purpose. Your use of the Content is at your own risk. We shall not be held liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the Content or for any actions you take based on the Content. We reserve the right to update, modify, or remove any Content at any time without prior notice.

3. Limitation of Liability

Under no circumstances shall Living Hobbies, its affiliates, employees, authors, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, or goodwill, arising out of or in connection with your access to, use of, or reliance on the Content, the Website, or any linked websites.

4. Indemnification

By using the Website and its Content, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Living Hobbies, its affiliates, employees, authors, and agents from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, expenses, or demands, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from or related to your use of the Website, the Content, or any violation of this disclaimer.

5. External Links

The Website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Living Hobbies. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. We do not warrant the offerings of any third-party websites or services. You acknowledge and agree that Living Hobbies shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such third-party websites or services.

6. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This disclaimer and any disputes related to it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under this disclaimer shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Pennsylvania, and the parties hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue therein.

7. Changes to This Disclaimer

We reserve the right to modify this disclaimer at any time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new disclaimer on this page. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the Website after the posting of the revised disclaimer will constitute your acknowledgment and acceptance of the modified disclaimer.

If you have any questions or concerns about this disclaimer, please contact us at livinghobbiesblog @ gmail.com (remove spaces).


TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Terms and Conditions for use of LivingHobbies.com

Effective Date: April 13, 2023

Please read these Terms and Conditions ("Terms", "Terms and Conditions") carefully before using the Living Hobbies website (the "Service") operated by Living Hobbies ("us", "we", or "our"). Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned upon your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms. These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who wish to access or use the Service.

By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the terms, then you do not have permission to access the Service.

1. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, logos, videos, and software, is the property of Living Hobbies or its content creators and protected by United States and international copyright laws. Unauthorized use, copying, reproduction, or distribution of any content on this website is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of Living Hobbies.

2. User Content and Conduct

By posting, uploading, or submitting any content to the Service, you grant Living Hobbies a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content in any media. You represent and warrant that you have the right to grant this license and that the content does not violate any intellectual property rights, including but not limited to copyright, trademark, or trade secret rights.

You agree not to post, upload, or submit any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically, or otherwise objectionable as determined by Living Hobbies.

3. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. Living Hobbies expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Living Hobbies does not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free, or that any information or content obtained through the Service will be accurate or reliable.

4. Limitation of Liability

In no event shall Living Hobbies or its affiliates, directors, employees, or agents be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to lost profits, loss of data, or other intangible losses, resulting from (a) the use or inability to use the Service; (b) unauthorized access to or alteration of your transmissions or data; or (c) any other matter relating to the Service, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory, and whether or not Living Hobbies has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

5. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Living Hobbies, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, or debt, and expenses, including but not limited to attorney's fees, arising from (a) your use of and access to the Service; (b) your violation of any term of these Terms; (c) your violation of any third-party right, including without limitation any copyright, trademark, or privacy right; or (d) any claim that your content caused damage to a third party.

6. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

7. Changes to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. By continuing to access or use our Service after any revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms. If you do not agree to the new terms, you are no longer authorized to use the Service.

8. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, under our sole discretion, for any reason whatsoever and without limitation, including but not limited to a breach of the Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Service will immediately cease.

9. Links to Other Websites

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by Living Hobbies. Living Hobbies has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that Living Hobbies shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such websites or services. We strongly advise you to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party websites or services that you visit.

10. Affiliate Links Disclosure

Living Hobbies participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may receive commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites, at no additional cost to you. When you click on or purchase products from an affiliate link, we may earn a commission from the affiliated company. These commissions help support our website and allow us to continue providing valuable content to our readers.

We only recommend products and services that we believe in and have thoroughly researched. We strive to provide honest opinions and accurate information, but please note that any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Living Hobbies is not responsible for any issues or problems that may arise from the use of or reliance on the products or services linked to on our website.

By using the Service, you acknowledge and agree that Living Hobbies may receive compensation as a result of your engagement with or purchase through affiliate links. This disclosure is provided in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR § 255.5: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note that we do not accept any liability for the content or practices of third-party websites linked through our affiliate program. It is your responsibility to review the terms and conditions and privacy policies of those websites before engaging with or making a purchase from them.

11. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court, the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in effect.

12. Waiver

No waiver of any term of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term, and Living Hobbies' failure to assert any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

13. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Living Hobbies regarding your use of the Service and supersede any prior agreements, whether oral or written, between you and Living Hobbies.

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at livinghobbiesblog @ gmail.com (remove spaces).