The Novelist Portent
Johnny E. Mahaffey
January 24, 2019

Reply ID: x3yk, FatherJohn
"Holiday Blues 2018"

To Mr. John Pfister:

Oh, I agree. I wish people did post comments with their actual identities. My ex Jaime has used three pseudonyms so far that I know of for comments, and just does NOT want to use her real name. Even going back at one point and actually removing some of her comments once the cover was blown on it. And some were removed just out of spite. She said it's partly in fear of my other exes, and that I make her mad at times. But I suspect it's also so that boyfriend(s) don't see. In the cases of some women, I could see that, I guess.

Yoko, a girl that I write to in Japan, uses her name. And I think that says something. That the non-American isn't in need of anonymity and not afraid of speaking her mind, apparently. And then, there's Candice. She has her full name in her username too and is not in any fear of posting what she wants. But then again, Candice is kind of a badass when it comes to the whole alpha girl thing.

While I appreciate all comments, I do have a little more respect for those who use their actual name (at least, in some discernible version of their name) nor have a desire or need to go back and remove what they said. Because it puts more meaning behind what they're saying. It's akin to the fake name being words no different than those whispered in secret behind backs, as opposed to someone using their name and not being afraid to stand behind their words because they know their words to be true. The fake little usernames are the ones in question.

And you're right, comments should have a purpose. Not just fluff. They need to address the context of what's presented in the post, especially if it's a serious issue about prison reform or the like. Or simply to provide hope, to raise the spirit of, not just the prisoner making the post but other readers. Just because I am here does not make my problems unique to this location. Some of the things I go through are still experiences by individuals out in the free world as well. Words of inspiration or understanding can ring true just as strong for readers out there, as they do us lowly prisoners in here.

Thank you for reading and for your honesty.

Johnny E. Mahaffey
BRCI - 323863
4460 Broad River Rd.
Columbia, SC 29210-4012