Cuban cigar workers became educated, thanks to the tradition of lectors, one of the most prestigious professions of the cigar industry. Lectors were paid by contributions made by the cigar workers. The more popular the lector, the higher the salary he could demand. Lectors were usually seated in a chair elevated above the cigar roller tables in a factory so their voices could be easily heard throughout the room. They began the work day by reading excerpts from a local newspaper, a newspaper from Spain, followed by readings from a novel or the works of a political philosopher. The selection of the book or topic of reading was voted upon by the cigar rollers. Although cigar workers may not have been able to read or write, they could easily quote Shakespeare, Voltaire, Zola and Dumas. Lectors also made cigar rollers aware of politics and world events, acquainting them with the political issues and questioning the political authority of Spain. As the Cuban cigar industry prospered, lectors were viewed by the Spanish authorities with increased suspicion.