Prison Stories Are Important For the World to Hear

But you’d never know based on statistics here

Photo by Rain Bennett on Unsplash

Lately, you would think no one cares about what folks have to say here on this platform. Our views are way down, but even on stories where they aren’t, the income is abysmal. Stories that previously would have earned a reasonable amount are earning us 2 cents.

We’re literally giving you our 2 cents.

It’s a struggle to make ends meet on a good day, but when the platform you’re using to supplement it clearly decides to limit your reach and income — it’s a lot worse. My “job” here inside earns me approximately $5 per week which is nowhere near enough to live on, even in prison.

But our stories are still important to tell, even if we aren’t earning much to do so. Inmates don’t typically have a lot of people willing to listen to them, so the fact that you’re all here and reading means a lot.

When I first realized the inevitability of my coming to prison, I started researching what that would truly mean. Finding accurate information was almost impossible unless you lived in California. People there seemed much more willing to discuss their experiences within the system, however, I’ve learned that the system in California is much different than it is anywhere else. While it’s nice the information is out there, it doesn’t help folks outside that particular system.

We wanted folks all over the US to be able to find out what they needed before heading to prison.

Our stories aren’t just for those who will end up in prison, they’re for the family, friends, and loved ones left behind. Being on the outside is also difficult. You’re unable to effect change for your loved one on the inside. Gone are the days of a quick and easy phone call to check in on your person. If they have access to a tablet, you may be able to send a message but that doesn’t mean your person on the inside will be able to immediately answer.

Being unable to remain in constant contact with someone you love can be terrifying. During the natural disasters that hit our state recently, Demeter had no idea whether I was safe for almost a week. The news coming from the prison system was non-existent. And I was unable to call or send…