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Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

ameelio.org

21–30 of 98 posts

Re: Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

#21

Just a tip upon first glance... You might want to make the homepage a bit more politically correct by changing up the first (and only?) two incarcerated ethnicities from being Black and Hispanic. I am aware they make up the majority of the American prison population, but they really shouldn't. Seems like a worthwhile project though. Good luck!

>I am aware they make up the majority of the American prison population, but they really shouldn't Why? You think the entire disparity is explained by "socioeconomics" and/or "institutional racism"? More importantly, we're supposed to have "accurate" representation for positive traits, but only white men should be represented under negative circumstances? Am I understanding this PC stuff correctly?

> You think the entire disparity is explained by "socioeconomics" and/or "institutional racism"?

It's a little to absolutist to say "entire", but for the most part, yes, that does seem to be a huge factor in incarceration disparities by race. Either way, you are putting words in the parent poster's mouth.

> More importantly, we're supposed to have "accurate" representation for positive traits, but only white men should be represented under negative circumstances?

The parent didn't suggest anything of the sort. Again, please don't put words in people's mouths in order to start an argument that isn't there.

> Am I understanding this PC stuff correctly?

Probably not.

Re: Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

#22

Just a tip upon first glance... You might want to make the homepage a bit more politically correct by changing up the first (and only?) two incarcerated ethnicities from being Black and Hispanic. I am aware they make up the majority of the American prison population, but they really shouldn't. Seems like a worthwhile project though. Good luck!

>I am aware they make up the majority of the American prison population, but they really shouldn't Why? You think the entire disparity is explained by "socioeconomics" and/or "institutional racism"? More importantly, we're supposed to have "accurate" representation for positive traits, but only white men should be represented under negative circumstances? Am I understanding this PC stuff correctly?

> Am I understanding this PC stuff correctly?

No.

In general it's useful to consider that if you think someone else's viewpoint is ridiculous that you may have misunderstood. Here, for example, nobody has claimed "only white men should be represented under negative circumstances".

Re: Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

#24

It's sad that as a society we've allowed those who are serving their time to be exploited, but this is a good way to fight back, and hopefully make exploitation of the imprisoned a less lucrative market for unscrupulous actors.

Exactly my thoughts!

Re: Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

#25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"Currently, the situation is that two corporations own communication throughout the prisons and jails in the U.S (JPay and Securus)." Did you experience any issues trying to get into this space? Any push back from the companies mentioned or from any of the state prison systems? What a great idea! That testimonial from the blind person on your home page is very moving.

First I'd like to thank you for the comment. You made me realize a mistake I made in mentioning JPay and Securus when I meant to say Global Tel Link and Securus. As far as pushback from other companies, we haven't received any so far. There's nothing they can really do besides make their services more appealing. Currently, with Letters (our first app), it allows users to sign up, add their contacts (inmates), and the…

Honest question, because I have no idea how this all works: if people can just send letters for the cost of a stamp then why do they use Global Tel Link or Securus?

Really great thing you're doing here, I hope it all works out.

Re: Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

#26

My name is Gabe and I am one of the co-founders of Ameelio. Though we only launched 4 weeks ago, we have over 1,250 users that collectively sent >3,000 letters across the entire country. While it’s free for us to videoconference on Zoom and Facetime during quarantine, it can cost up to $25 to make a 15-minute phone call to an incarcerated person. Some of you might be thinking: “Is it just a letter mailing service?” T…

How does your company handle the costs of mailing or delivering the letters?

Re: Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

#28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

First I'd like to thank you for the comment. You made me realize a mistake I made in mentioning JPay and Securus when I meant to say Global Tel Link and Securus. As far as pushback from other companies, we haven't received any so far. There's nothing they can really do besides make their services more appealing. Currently, with Letters (our first app), it allows users to sign up, add their contacts (inmates), and the…

Honest question, because I have no idea how this all works: if people can just send letters for the cost of a stamp then why do they use Global Tel Link or Securus? Really great thing you're doing here, I hope it all works out.

The benefits of using those services are that communication is much faster when you can just write up a message on your phone or computer and click "send". If you can afford it, it's the preferred way to go. It's better than having to wait for days upon days, and even weeks for your letter to arrive. Even though from what I've heard, a letter is much more personal and very much appreciated.

Re: Show HN: Ameelio.org – Free Prison Communication Platform

#29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

First I'd like to thank you for the comment. You made me realize a mistake I made in mentioning JPay and Securus when I meant to say Global Tel Link and Securus. As far as pushback from other companies, we haven't received any so far. There's nothing they can really do besides make their services more appealing. Currently, with Letters (our first app), it allows users to sign up, add their contacts (inmates), and the…

Honest question, because I have no idea how this all works: if people can just send letters for the cost of a stamp then why do they use Global Tel Link or Securus? Really great thing you're doing here, I hope it all works out.

They use jPay and similar because it's faster. Typically in the incarcerated person's hand in a day or two.

USPS takes longer, then the prison contraband checking process, etc.

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