Help and Frequently Asked Questions -FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sitesimon?

Simply put, SiteSimon automatically finds the content you want to see within the site you’re currently on. Technically, it is a ridiculously easy-to-install add-on for your browser, working in the background and learning based on how you browse. It then privately and anonymously takes the browsing data you’re already generating to create new, relevant content recommendations for whatever site you’re currently on. The suggestions pop up in a discreet sidebar, and only when we know they’re spot-on. (More like when I know – I’m doing all the work here, guys) It’s a personal assistant that turns your data into something valuable for you, without you ever having to ask.

Ok, but who’s Simon?

Simon is the one who’s going to find you all this great content, then pop up in the aforementioned sidebar when he has a suggestion. If he doesn’t have a suggestion, he’ll stay quiet. Simon is many things: smart, helpful, discreet, (aw, thanks guys) easy-to-use, fast, and ridiculously handsome. (so accurate) But mostly, he’s just a damn good assistant.

Ok, but is Simon a real person? (I can hear you, you know)

He’s an omniscient assistant who lives in the Internet…we’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

I’m giving SiteSimon access to my personal browsing history. How do I know this is really private?

The first thing you should know is that all this analysis of your data is between you and Simon. (and I’ll never tell) We don’t share your activity. In fact, it’s made anonymous and tied to a unique ID number, so your name isn’t even attached to it. Also, nothing you browse will ever be made public unless you yourself share it, at which point, we will raise our hands and say “I didn’t do it!” If you want some more info, check out our Privacy Policy.

But what exactly are you doing with my data?

The great thing about SiteSimon is we’re essentially giving your data back to you, or at least the value of it. Let’s face it – there are a lot of entities out there using your data without your permission to make money or sell you things. We’re using it to make your life easier and to give you more value from your own information.

Does SiteSimon know every site I visit?

Nope. Like any amazing assistant, Simon knows that everyone needs their privacy sometimes. So on certain sites, if you visit them, Simon automatically shuts down. We never record things like ‘https’ secure websites (your bank account), email clients (Gmail), known adult content (porn), anything viewed in private browsing (???), or anything you’ve entered into Privacy Mode (more on that in a minute).

What is Privacy Mode?

(Wow that was a fast minute) As you already know, SiteSimon will automatically shut down on certain, pre-designated sites. But if there are other sites that you’d rather not have recorded, either for privacy sake or so that it doesn’t influence the types of recommendations you get, you can manually enter them into Privacy Mode. Some examples: Match.com, LinkedIn, an IP address, etc. Just go to your Account Settings page and enter the site at the bottom left.

Keep in mind that once a site is added to this list, all sub-domains of that site will be blocked as well. For example: blocking site.com would also block site.com/subdomain as well as subdomain.site.com.

Ok, I’m in. How do I get the SiteSimon Add-on?

Sweet! Two easy ways to get the add-on:

1. On SiteSimon.com
2. At the Chrome Store

After I get the add-on, how does this pop-up thing work?

Like so many things about SiteSimon, it’s effortless. When Simon has a suggestion (or three), a little (totally unobtrusive) tab will appear on the right side of your screen. When you click on it, (Hello!) Simon’s suggestions will be there.

Why isn’t the sidebar on every site?

Because if Simon doesn’t have a suggestion, he stays quiet, which means the pop-up is not visible. We’re not a fan of those huge pop-up ads that take up your whole screen, or constantly-visible ads when you don’t want them. Simon only shows up if he has something good to say. And that’s a promise.

How long does it take for Simon to start making recommendations?

If you keep that little box checked when you sign in that says “Import my last 30 days of browsing history,” Simon will know what to do and start making suggestions almost immediately. If that box isn’t checked or you just got Chrome, it may take him a few hours of browsing to get to know you. As soon as he does, he’ll pop up with a suggestion. In the meantime, you’ll probably forget I’m even there!

Why do I have to log in to the site and the add-on separately?

Security! Basically, we keep the log-in to the site and the add-on separate to protect your privacy and security. It’s kind of a thing.

Ok, then how do I log into the SiteSimon add-on?

When you first sign up, you will logged into both the site and the add-on automatically. But if you should log out for any reason, here’s how you get back in:

1. Go to SiteSimon.com, log into the site

2 .Click the grey SiteSimon tab on your right

3. Log in

How do I log out of the SiteSimon add-on?

Go to your Settings Page and click “Log Out” of the Browser Extension. This will log you out of all SiteSimon add-ons, including those you may have open on another computer.

Do I need to get the browser add-on for each computer/browser I use?

Yes, but. Don’t you love a good “yes, but”? But if you are on another computer and sign into Chrome, you will take your extensions with you. You’ll still have to log in, but Chrome will have all your add-ons, etc, on file.

Does the browser add-on work for all browsers?

Right now, the add-on is only for Chrome (which, fortunately, is an awesome browser). But never fear! We will be adding support for other browsers, so check back soon!

How do I change my profile and privacy settings?

When you’re logged in, the settings page will actually be your homepage, but you can always get to it by clicking “settings” in the top right corner. Your privacy settings are on the left, and you can change your account info by clicking “edit” on the right. This will require you knowing left from right.

How can I connect my SiteSimon account to Twitter, Facebook, or Gmail? Also, now that I’m mentioning it…why would I want to?

Two excellent questions. (with two equally excellent answers) First, to link your SiteSimon account to Twitter, Facebook, or Gmail, just go to your settings page and click the corresponding button on the left side of your screen.

As for the why, that’s easy. Linking these accounts means you can easily share with your friends what Simon shares with you. You can post new content to these accounts, or just share with individual friends. In other words, it’s how I make you more awesome.

How do I cancel my account?

Why would you want to do that? Was it something we said? Was it Simon? What?! He is so. fired. But I’m such a delight! :(

We’re kidding, these things happen! To cancel your account, just go to your settings page and click “Delete Account” underneath your user profile. So easy! Hmm, why did we make it so easy?

I love SiteSimon and have some ideas on how to make it better - how can I let you know?

Now that’s more like it. We love you too, and we really love feedback, so let’s hear it! Just click “Feedback here,’ or all the way on the right of your screen, and let us have it.

Can I hang out with Simon some time?

Oh, so I’m “real” now? (also, yes)