Newspapers and the delivery man

Everyday we wake up to see the papers being delivered to our house or office without giving a second thought as how it reaches there. Often time, friends would complain about the late delivery as if it is a crime if they wake up without the papers being delivered to their very door. But i certainly have not heard of any praise for the good work done by the delivery man.

Yes, we all need information to survive and newspapers seem to be irreplaceable medium even as the electronic age and net-based media catch up. The papers in the hands is most convenient way for most of us, some bring them into the toilet while others consume the news together with their breakfasts.And many would found themselves lost if they found that there is no papers today as yesterday was a public holiday. Some publishers then use the catchy slogan like "365 days and not a day without newspapers!" to attract readers and subscribers.

Then why is the newspapers so important for us? Some would say it is simply a habit that can't be kick while others would argue that because it is food for thought for them more than simply news that they want to know.

And who are the persons behind the whole process so that we have papers in our hands everyday? Many would say "of course the reporters!" or else where got news to read and there are as many who would named the dailies and even the media Moguls as the persons behind the newspapers.Credits are given to those who are exposed to us just like the award-winning reporter or publisher for the good reporting.

Many never give a thought to the printing workers who work from 7:00 pm till past mid-night so that the papers are ready for delivery. But even less would say "it is the delivery men or women who made it possible!" To many among us, that is a low esteemed job that require no attention or mention at all.

My paper's delivery man delivers the papers to my doorsteps from around 2:00-3:00 am everyday and sometimes he was surprised to see me taking the papers from him at the wee hours of the day. Indeed, most would have slept deeply or consumed in their dreams at that time to even notice their presence.

How hard and difficult it must be to deliver the papers to hundreds of households and offices in a motorbike without break for 365 days a year? They have to deliver regardless of the weather conditions and the security conditions. They have to run into strayed dogs who chase after them as well as coming across some criminal elements day in day out but there is no escape for them unless they stop working.

So please spare them a thought the next time you pick up the newspapers or when you want to curse about the late delivery. Maybe he has met an accident before or after delivering the papers to your door steps or may be he has been admitted to the hospital for some unforeseen circumstances while trying to deliver the papers to one of us.

David Wong
10-01-2009