Living Reflections from a Dream

Recently, I began getting the Sunday Globe delivered again (now that I've moved away from the paper thieves). My mental model for paper delivery comes from my childhood when there was a paper boy/girl (mostly boy) who was a kid from the neighborhood. Weekly, the kid would show up at your door to "collect"*. Payment was given for the papers themselves and a tip for the delivery guy/gal. Nowadays, we pay for the paper via credit card and never actually see the delivery guy. But my delivery guy has a system all worked out. He is a paperboy money making machine. The last paper of the month comes with strict instructions on how to pay him his tip. He accepts checks only, made out to him. The checks must be placed in the envelope he provides and mailed to him. Taping the envelope to your door is strictly prohibited! Though I wonder if he would really reject an envelope containing cash left for him on the door.

Now I understand why he wants to collect this way. It's a pain in the ass to have to go back at night, hoping the people are home - having to go back repetitivly if they aren't*. However, receiving the Sunday paper only costs me about $10/month. Even a 30 - 40% tip is only $3 - 4$. Seems ridiculous to write a check for that amount and mail it to him. This requires far more effort on my part than handing over the cash.

Is this how it's done these days? Have I just been living amongst paper thieves for so long (causing me to not get the paper delievered) that I missed this major innovation to the paper delivery industry?

* and I know this because I was a substitute papergirl for my friend, Jason, for one hellish week in 6th grade.-----
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