My first exposure to the business world was as a paper boy for the Terre Haute Tribune when I was 10 years old. In those days, it was the only way for me to purchase things that a boy would need like the latest Topps baseball cards, a good soda and the best candy that could keep me at the proper hyperkinetic frenzy. My employment options were limited, and I enjoyed delivering the daily news to my friends and neighbors. I parlayed that time spent as a carrier into a career in the newspaper industry. I have seen many changes in my more than 25 years in the business, some for the better and some for the worse. Because of today’s environment, I am not sure a child’s first thought for extra spending money is delivering the local paper. It was an era that passed us a few years ago.
With this in mind, we must adjust our business model to stay competitive and affordable in today’s market. With the rising cost of delivery to our customers, the Washington Times-Herald has made the decision to switch to the U.S. Post Office for delivery of the newspaper to our customers.
What does this mean to subscribers of the Times-Herald? It means you will receive same day delivery of your newspaper, and you will receive it with your daily mail. We will still have the best local news, advertising specials and sports that you are getting today. The price of the newspaper will stay the same.
For years, newspapers have contracted delivery out to individuals who were looking to make some extra money. The rising gas prices and high newsprint costs have forced us to look to alternative ways for our readers to receive our product. Because of this and a number of factors, we have decided to put our trust for delivery of your newspaper in your Post Office.
I would like to thank all the carriers who have delivered the Times-Herald all these years. I would also like to thank the Washington Post Office, which has been very helpful in working with us on this project. I look forward to our future partnership.
I want to emphasize that you will receive your newspaper the same day it is published. It is important for us to give the same great service that your carriers have provided these past several years. The switch to postal delivery will officially take place on June 2, 2008, although as carrier routes open we will switch some customers in the northern part of Daviess County beginning May 1.
rsmith@washtimesherald.com
Our Perspective
Related Photos
Discussion
Newspaper to soon be delivered by U.S. mail
- Our Perspective
-
-
A time to remember, a time to reflect
It’s that time of year again.
-
Christmas and people on the other side of the economic table
My late father was a professional gambler.
-
Iowa isn’t the place to winnow candidates
The first real presidential showdown will be happening in fewer than three weeks when Iowa will hold its caucus.
-
The pig that popped my Christmas
My son has been asking for one thing this Christmas — a Pop the Pig game.
-
Tangled taxation
When it comes to taxes, Americans have a lot of disagreements.
-
Playing politics with an oil pipeline
When is a pipeline not a pipeline?
-
Report supports Murtha’s claims about Haditha
The final years of John Murtha’s life were stained by a controversy over comments he made concerning actions by U.S. Marines in late 2005 in Haditha, Iraq.
-
Pets and holidays are not always a good combination.
If you’re tempted to give a pet as a gift, my advice is:
-
These dudes are anything but cool
Steve McQueen and James Dean, two of the coolest cats to ever grace the silver screen,
-
Postal fixes won't solve problems
The U.S. Postal Service’s decision to reduce its first-class delivery time from 1-3 days to 2-3 days is the latest move to stop financial losses that last year totaled $5.1 billion.
- More Our Perspective Headlines
-
A time to remember, a time to reflect
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
