The Diligence Letter (“we,” “us,” “our”) is published by Reidel Law Firm, PC. We respect your privacy and aim to explain clearly how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Our member pledge: We never sell, share, or rent the member list — to anyone, for any reason. The circle exists because brokers trust it with candid information; that trust is the product.
1) What this policy covers
This policy applies to our website, the twice-monthly Letter, breaking alerts, the member discussion, and the members-only archive (collectively, the “Services”). By using the Services, you agree to this policy.
2) Information we collect
Information you provide
- Email address, name, company, role, and preferences you submit in forms or your membership application
- Verification information used to confirm your identity and broker status at intake
- Your chosen display identity (your name or a verified alias) and delivery preferences
- Posts and materials you contribute to the member discussion
Information collected automatically
- IP address and general location inferred from IP
- Device, browser, and operating system information
- Pages viewed, links clicked, and referral source
- Cookies or similar technologies for session management, analytics, and remembering preferences
We do not collect sensitive personal information and we do not sell your personal information.
3) Membership identity & aliases
- Verified at intake, private by default: We verify every applicant’s real identity before admission. That verification information is used solely for vetting and moderation integrity — it is never published.
- Your alias is yours: Within the member discussion, you may appear under your own name or a verified alias. Other members see only the identity you choose.
- No member directory: We do not publish a list of members, and we do not make introductions without your consent.
- Members-only archives: Discussion archives are accessible only to admitted members while their membership is active.
4) How we use your information
- Deliver the Letter, alerts, discussion, and archive access you requested
- Vet applications and moderate the membership
- Operate and improve the Services (security, performance, analytics)
- Communicate about membership, features, and policy updates
- Provide support
- Enforce our Terms of Use, Community Guidelines, and prevent abuse
5) What we never do with your information
- We never sell, share, or rent the member list or your personal information to franchisors, vendors, lead-buyers, marketers, or any third party.
- We never publish member identities or reveal that a specific person is a member without their consent.
- We never run pay-to-play: brands cannot purchase access, coverage, ratings, or member data. Ever.
6) Legal bases (where applicable)
Where required (e.g., in the EEA/UK), we process personal data on these bases: performance of a contract (providing the Services), legitimate interests (security, vetting, improvement, fraud prevention), and consent (email marketing where required). You can withdraw consent at any time (see “Your choices”).
7) Cookies & analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you logged in, remember settings, and understand how the Services are used. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking cookies may limit functionality. We may use privacy-respecting analytics and server logs to measure usage. We do not sell analytics data.
8) Email communications
You choose your delivery mode — real-time, daily digest, or archive-only — and can change it or unsubscribe at any time. We may still send essential membership or service messages (e.g., policy or security notices).
9) Sharing your information
We do not sell, share, or rent your personal information. We disclose data only to:
- Service providers (e.g., website hosting, email and discussion-list delivery, analytics) under contracts requiring they protect your information and use it only to provide services to us.
- Legal or safety reasons (e.g., to comply with a law, regulation, subpoena, or to protect rights, security, and integrity).
- Business changes (e.g., merger, acquisition, or reorganization). We will notify you of any material changes affecting your information.
10) Data retention
We keep personal information only as long as necessary to provide the Services, meet legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. We also retain aggregated or de-identified data that cannot reasonably identify you. When your membership ends, your display identity and contributions may remain in the members-only archive under your alias; contact us to request removal.
11) Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.
12) Your choices & rights
- Delivery mode & unsubscribe: Change your delivery setting or use the link in any email.
- Cookies: Control via your browser settings.
- Access/Update/Delete (where applicable): You may request access, correction, or deletion of your personal information. We will respond as required by applicable law.
- Do Not Track: We do not respond to DNT signals due to industry limitations.
Residents of certain regions (e.g., EEA/UK, California) may have additional privacy rights under local law. We honor those rights where applicable. To exercise rights, contact us using the details below.
13) International data transfers
If we transfer your information across borders, we use appropriate safeguards (e.g., standard contractual clauses) as required by law.
14) Children’s privacy
Our Services are intended for business professionals and are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.
15) Changes to this policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes to our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy with a new “Last updated” date and, where required, provide additional notice.
16) Contact us
Reidel Law Firm Attn: The Diligence Letter — Privacy Galveston, Texas Email: schuyler@diligenceletter.com
If you have questions or requests about this policy or your data, please contact us.