The Almanac
Policy
This page sets out how the Almanac handles access, payments, document readings, and reader data. The full policy text should be reviewed before launch.
Access and Tiers
The Bench is open to all readers for ordinary instrument passes. Paid reading modes — journal fit, funding fit, reviewer response, and academic position readings — are available to Correspondents, Fellows, and through one-off reading passes.
Tier access is granted after payment verification. No access is granted from URL parameters, email receipts, or browser-side callbacks alone. Every payment is verified server-side with the checkout provider before the corresponding tier or reading is activated.
Payments
Payments are processed by Paystack. The Almanac does not store card details, account numbers, or payment credentials. All transactions are conducted over HTTPS. Payment confirmation is handled entirely by the provider.
If a payment cannot be verified, no access is granted. If the amount or currency returned by the provider does not match the expected value, the transaction is rejected and the reader is notified.
Document Readings
Document upload is available to Correspondents, Fellows, and holders of one-off reading passes, subject to admin settings. Uploaded documents are processed server-side, stored temporarily in encrypted transients, and automatically expired after thirty minutes. The Almanac does not retain manuscripts, unpublished work, or uploaded files after the reading completes.
Reader Data
The Almanac collects only the information necessary to provide the service: email address and display name for authentication, field of study and preferences for personalisation, and anonymous usage data for platform improvement.
Research content, manuscripts, and unpublished work are not collected or stored. No third-party advertising or tracking cookies are deployed.
Contact
For questions about policy, access, or data, reach us through the Contact page.