:(
So, when I first decided to write a pen pal, I just sat down and started writing whatever came to my mind. I talked about me, my life, my family, my travels, and how and why I decided to write them. I mentioned that I was a member of a pen pal website (And I just named the website, i didn't put a URL) just because I was stating it, I wasn't advertising it. But, I didn't mention WAP. Is it true that just the fact I mentioned I heard about writing an inmate through a pen pal website, she might not get my letter?
Also, I had read that you should write the name and number on the back of pictures, but on the pages too?! Oi, I wrote everything on the pictures, but I didn't even think about the pages. Once my imagination starts working and the pen starts moving, I get side tracked until I seal the envelope :( In one letter, I sent a picture of me and my family (normal Walgreens size picture) and another smaller one of just me. Both were completely appropriate, but I read that someone had their mail sent back because the picture was too big? Also, and i'm soooo sorry for all of these questions, I used two stamps to mail the envelope with three pages and two pictures, it wasn't very heavy. Is that enough to cover postage? I do NOT want anyone to pay for something silly that i've done like not put enough postage on it, it shows I don't care and did not do my research.
I'm sure more silly errors will dawn on me, but after browsing 6 pages of the forums tonight, those are the top few concerns I have. I appreciate any and all advice. Thank you!
Freddie
Last post
I'm sure that'll all get through just fine...try not to worry!
Even now, i sweat the small stuff at times but very rarely encounter any problems.
Remember that the mail services might still be running slowly for the next few weeks :)
You shouldn't worry too much.
Most of the times there are no problems with mail getting to our pp's. I only write name and # on pictures, in case they fall out of the envelope, so the guys in mail room know where they belong, but never on the pages, and my pp's always received my letters.
For mentioning WAP ...
could become a problem, if your pp is in FL. As far I know most other states are okay with it. Since I never had a pp in FL, I never had any problems telling them where I found them.
If you didn't put enough stamps on the envelope, you should get the letter back, I think. Then you'll have to send it again with the right postage.
Your letter will arrive,write his adress including his DOC No on the envelope just like your adress (or P.O Box adress).
It just takes a bit longer because before your pp gets the letter that letter has to pass the mailroom (like every in and out going mail)
So don't worry about the letter.
And yes write his name on the back of the pic.
And you also can check the Doc webside (State where your pp is locked up) to check the mailrules.
Don't worry Freddie ! :)
Unless you wrote to someone in Florida, but when I read other posts - one said his letter was sent back because he mentioned a pen-pal site but another member said that the inmate got his letter without any problem. And well, it was Christmas - a time to be generous, no ??? LOL
Your letter will get there without the name on the letter, I know that one time the mail staff mixed up letters btw two different inmates, put the right letter back in the wrong envelop...(if you say "Hi" only in the letter, without his name) (he got the letter from another person...) but it happens very rarely.
So I usually write his first or last name on the top of the first page .. But don't worry for that !
For the photos, Lachsis is right - write your pps name on the back but only in the future !
The only thing I'm sure now is that the mail is REALLY SLOW because I haven't heard from my pps (except for one) in three weeks ...........................
Sandy
:flasher:
One stamp probably would have been enough to cover it so you should be OK with two. My Post Office has a mail machine thing there with a scale for an individual to use. At the beginning I didn't want to put too much postage since I was writing so many and I didn't want to waste stamps. I can put 8 pages of loose-leaf paper and it registers as 1 stamp so you're fine.
I do believe your pen pal is in Florida, but she's also Federal. It's State of Florida that has the issue, not the Federal system so you'll be fine.