Bill Tancer is a technology writer and search engine advisor of some repute. He writes a regular column for Time.com that is called “The Science of Search.” Through this book the author describes strategies that he has learned from researching the patterns of tens of millions of Internet users.

Although I will not be able to access the Internet until my release comes, by reading books like Click, I educate myself about steps I can take to improve the performance of the Web sites that feature my work. Those who operate Web sites of their own will find value in Tancer’s book.

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My web site, MichaelSantos.net has been extremely valuable in helping me open relationships throughout my 20 years of imprisonment. Before the Internet existed, I used to document my progress through a printed portfolio that described my background and the steps I take to grow through my imprisonment. With copying and mailing costs, that portfolio was expensive to produce and distribute. Besides that, it could not contain descriptions of all my work.

With the Internet, I am able to keep a current record of my efforts to prepare for the obstacles that will follow my quarter-century in confinement. Prior to the new technology that we now have, each time I made a change or addition to my Web site, I needed to retain the services of a Web programmer. Now I can rely upon my wife to keep the site current. I am really pleased that through PrisonSuccess.com, this same opportunity exists for every prisoner. My hopes are that others will recognize the myriad ways that the Internet can open opportunities, and that they will use the free services available at PrisonSuccess.com to build their own Web sites. All that they must do is send their content to a family member or friend with Internet accessibility. Their family members can build and update the inmate’s Web site at PrisonSuccess.com as easily as they can send e-mail.

I would like to offer a course here at Taft Camp that would show inmates how to use their Web sites as a tool for success. Without staff permission, however, I am prohibited from leading any classes. I urge those who have a family member or friend in prison or on supervised release to use PrisonSuccess.com as an integral strategy. By looking at my Web site presence, they should see how the Internet can open opportunities and help individuals prepare for law-abiding lives upon release.

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I rely on my wife, Carole, to send me hard copies of articles that I have written in years past. Once I receive them, I spend time reading through the postings and making changes as necessary. I edit a few each week. Besides that editing project, I’m also updating the Web sites. Previously, loading content was a real hassle. Since Carole is not an Internet programmer or Web designer, we paid a Web master to load each document. This past quarter, however, we’ve made some changes to the site. Carole hired a new Web designer to make modifications to our Web site projects so that she can load what I write as soon as she receives the content from me. With this new technology, my writing will intensify. I intend to write many articles that will help others understand more about our nation’s prison system. I also want people to understand the strategies that have been so helpful to me in navigating my way through 20 years of imprisonment.

I just finished interviewing a man who is serving a one-year term for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Specifically, the man used a credit card without letting his parole officer know. That violation cost him an additional 365 days in prison. It is important for me to document this kind of information. I want to help others make decisions that will ensure they succeed upon release. The more I can tell people what to expect, the better prepared people will be to make the right decisions. I have another interview scheduled with a man who says that he was wrongfully convicted. I’ve heard such claims of innocence frequently, and they are not all plausible. Still, I think it is important to tell each man’s story. The more readers know, the less likely it will be that they fall victim to a wrongful prosecution.

In addition to those two articles, I intend to write an article with some guidance for people who are about to begin serving sentences in minimum-security camps. I want them to be aware of the types of conduct that can lead to disciplinary infractions, time in the Segregated Housing Unit, and possible transfer to higher security prisons. I urge readers to use this information and to share with their loved ones.

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