6 ms·

They also operate the e-mail system that can be used to send e-mail to/from inmates (using a JPay tablet, of course). You have to purchase 'stamps'. For e-mails

by gergles 12y ago

They also operate the e-mail system that can be used to send e-mail to/from inmates (using a JPay tablet, of course). You have to purchase 'stamps'. For e-mails.[1] 1: http://www.jpayinc.com/email_videograms.html http://www.jpayinc.com/email_videograms.html "One stamp corresponds to one 6000 character message (about the length of one handwritten page), or one attachment." "JPay’s correctional email service is faster than regular mail, with inmates usually receiving emails within 48 hours." (emphasis added) Looking up the pricing for a random facility[2], it's $18 for 40 'stamps', each one of which is good for 1 small attachment or 'page' of text. This is fucking extortion. 2: http://www.jpay.com/Facility-Details/Kentucky-Adult-Institutions/Kentucky-State-Penitentiary.aspx http://www.jpay.com/Facility-Details/Kentucky-Adult-Institut...

deleted 12y ago
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hueving 12y ago
>This is fucking extortion. Not to be too pedantic, but that's not extortion. Nobody is required to buy them nor are they threatened by not buying them.
- tankenmate 12y ago
  In the EU this would be considered extortion because you have a right to a family life; unconscionable profit at the expense of this right might be considered illegal, especially if it was the only service available (e.g. banking, family visit, letters etc)
Fuxy 12y ago
I find it extremely hilarious since this is no different than the ridiculous data caps most american ISP's add to the contract. Email doesn't cost more depending on the character count all email costs the same regardless of length same applies to America ISP's like Comcast. It doesn't cost them more but they do certainly like to charge more what do they both have in common? They are both for profit companies in an area where they are the only option due to intense lobbying and laws that price any potential competitor out of their market place. There's a fine balance between regulation and for profit business and when the businesses are paying the regulator directly or indirectly it never ends well.
Cabal 12y ago
I'm curious whether they'll be accepted into the next round of YC.

by gergles 12y ago

deleted 12y ago

[deleted]

hueving 12y ago

>This is fucking extortion. Not to be too pedantic, but that's not extortion. Nobody is required to buy them nor are they threatened by not buying them.

tankenmate 12y ago
In the EU this would be considered extortion because you have a right to a family life; unconscionable profit at the expense of this right might be considered illegal, especially if it was the only service available (e.g. banking, family visit, letters etc)

Fuxy 12y ago

I find it extremely hilarious since this is no different than the ridiculous data caps most american ISP's add to the contract. Email doesn't cost more depending on the character count all email costs the same regardless of length same applies to America ISP's like Comcast. It doesn't cost them more but they do certainly like to charge more what do they both have in common? They are both for profit companies in an area where they are the only option due to intense lobbying and laws that price any potential competitor out of their market place. There's a fine balance between regulation and for profit business and when the businesses are paying the regulator directly or indirectly it never ends well.

Cabal 12y ago

I'm curious whether they'll be accepted into the next round of YC.