| Q: |
|
I sent a letter requesting a
current pen pal list almost two months ago. Why haven't you sent one yet? |
| A: |
|
Because you didn't include a
Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope with your request. I set those aside until I get
lots of free time to address envelopes in addition to answering the letter. When I
open the mail, I "work" the letters in the following order:
1) Removal requests
2) Paid ad requests
3) Items marked "Return to sender". If it's something
I did, I correct the error and re-send the item(s).
4) Requests for information - if a SASE is included (such as pen pal
lists, photo duplication information, blank ad forms, etc.)
5) Renewals/updates (including address changes)
6) Requests for photo services
7) Free ad requests (ad requests on my forms get worked first, ad
requests written out get set aside until later)
8) Requests for information that do not include the SASE (I'm running
about 5 years behind in answering these requests) |
|
| Q: |
|
How current are the inmates'
addresses? |
| A: |
|
They are as current as the date
the ad was submitted or last updated. |
|
| Q: |
|
Can I submit ads for my inmate
friends? |
| A: |
|
Yes, you can. An ad submitted for female inmates will be accepted if it is
done on an ad form. Download the form and print it on one sheet of paper, front and
back:
Front of
ad form
Back of ad
form
Photos should be a minimum size of 4"x6"
@ 75dpi or equivalent. Larger photos are preferred for quality purposes. The
fee for placing an ad is $5.00 in cash. A check or money order should be made out to
"Gabby's Lounge BBS". |
|
| Q: |
|
Do you host ads for male
inmates? |
| A: |
|
No, sorry. I have a
backlog of female ads and the backlog grows daily, so I don't have enough time to offer
ads to males considering there are more males incarcerated than females. |
|
| Q: |
|
How does the list of pen pals
work? |
| A: |
|
It is a one page list of names
and addresses of people like yourself who wish to have the inmates write to them
first. It's in mailing label format consisting of 13 rows and 3 columns with each
label containing 4 lines. The first three lines are name, street,
city/state/zip. The fourth line can contain a short description that can be
abbreviated to fit, such as age, race, marital status, height, weight, etc. And
example might be "SWM, 30, 5'11"/180/Brn/Blue". I also include
a "Date added" to each label. As a new row of names are added, the oldest
row of names rolls off. Currently a name will stay on the list approximately three
months before rolling off. I
send the list when I receive a request from an imate or when I return her photo after
placing her ad. In the three months, or so, that a name is on the list it will
probably be sent several hundred times. Once it's in the hands of the inmates it may
float around inside the prison for several months or maybe even years, so even though your
name is no longer on the current list you may continue to receive mail for quite some
time. |
|
| Q: |
|
How do I know if these women are
truthful when asking for money? |
| A: |
|
You'll have to decide that for
yourself. According to an article
in the Laredo (Texas) Morning Times, scams are very profitable for inmates. Unless
you can truly afford it, don't send any money for any reason and definitely don't expect a
return on your investment. |
|
