About two years ago I started writing to people in prison in America. It's been a really interesting and rewarding experience actually.

Recently I was told of an article (didn't read it myself) that people who write to inmates generally have low self esteem - whilst this doesn't bother me I did find it curious as to how this statement could be justified.

Although I've had a few inmates try to get $ from me - I have also made some terrific friendships - it's also taught me that just because some people do bad things it doesn't make them bad people.

One thing that I've noticed in relation to my penfriends is that most of them have a similar background - abusive parents, lack of education, drug or alcohol addiction - that kinda thing.