Working hard and the printer’s devil

During the years I simultaneously penned different columns for the local media as a free-lance writer, I sometimes had to contend with senior journalists who had a very lackadaisical attitude towards work. This attitude used to get my hackles up despite the fact that writing is only my hobby.

For example there was a time when I complained to the deputy editor of a prominent local newspaper about typographical errors in my weekly column because the column then used to be typeset again. I had expected the editor to appreciate my comments and to take them seriously but when errors re-appeared the following week, I was quizzed and again took this issue up with him. Instead of being concerned the deputy editor complained that I was being too demanding. If an editor finds one demanding when seeking typographical corrections in his paper, how on earth can one expect his newspaper to create an impact?

At that time and probably even now it is not uncommon to find journalists working with a slack attitude, late coming to the office, slipshod in their work and working so-called long hours that are sifted into by long lunch, tea and even beer breaks. I am told that most journalists have stopped pulling their weight because of poor working conditions and very meagre pay. Some columnists tell me that they don’t get paid for months and that they rarely get over Shs. 10,000/- for a well-researched story. While one cannot argue on the poor terms offered to most journalists, this does not justify an attitude of “why bother?” because journalists have an important responsibility in catalyzing economic, social or political changes in society by exposing public wrongs and offering constructive analysis of issues.

One journalist wondered why I get so worked up about small typographical errors, saying that newspapers end up being sold to street vendors or the waste paper basket. My answer is simple. In life one needs to put one’s heart in any task he or she is performing. Sadly, some believe that if a modicum of work can earn them enough to live in modest comfort they do not need to strive for excellence. This attitude unfortunately stretches to almost all the different professions in the country. Be it a doctor at the Muhimbili, a clerk at a government office, a receptionist in a hotel, a surgeon in a hospital, a lawyer in our courts of law, a teacher in school or even some of our senior government personnel … they will in many cases only work and be concerned if they are given money incentives. By adopting this attitude, workers become lazy, less ambitious and allow money to rule them! 

Religion instills in us from childhood that one should put one’s heart and soul into what one is doing. Good sportsmen excel with such thoughts, individuals excel with such beliefs and our country would excel in development if people believe to put in their best while also seeking optimum returns for their effort.

Ultimately it is true that little or nothing remains of our worldly toil. There is no remembrance of former things nor will there be remembrance of things that are to come by those who will come after. However all does not end in vanity when our constructive and devoted actions help to uplift society and protect the environment.

There is no guarantee that the deserving win the battle of life. Educated people may be poor, illiterate people may be living with abundance, religious and God-conscious people will be living in modesty while the non-believers may be living in boundless wealth, all because time and chance determine the fate of an individual. In seeking progress we all have a choice, that of striving for excellence or simply restraining ourselves to routine work. For those who strive for excellence there is the satisfaction of doing one’s best unlike the others who in their complacency are often a burden to society.

Bloomer

The printer’s devil almost created a diplomatic crisis when the German Crown Prince visited England in the 19th century. The London Times carried on its front page the headline: ‘Visit of German Clown Prince.’ The German ambassador demanded an apology and a correction.  The next day The London Times published: “We regret the error in the report of the German Crow Prince.” The printer’s devil was at work again but the German Ambassador did not ask for another correction.