Best China Blog Awards Winners : A Chinalyst Interview With Modern Lei Feng
After a long break we continue with a series of interviews with the bloggers behind the blogs that won the Best China Blog Awards 2008 asking them to tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs. Modern Lei Feng made it to 2nd place in the Best General Blog category.
Background
Blog: Modern Lei Feng
About the blog (from the blog): "Half Chinese, Half American with writers in China, the US, and the UK. Lovers of sports, music, food, drink, and the good life, but also working to help China "rise up"..."
Blogging platform : Blogspot
Age : 26-30
Years blogging : 4
The interview
Q: What was your main motivating force for beginning your own blog?
I didn't see very much out there bringing things from the perspective that I was offering and there just seemed to be so much negativity out there. I talked with some friends who had a similar background and we decided that our passion for writing, China, and a diverse group of topics might be able to find a place in the crazy thing called the blogosphere.
Q: What is your blog mainly about? Please tell us a little bit about the general topics you usually discuss in your blog.
Its about what my friends and I talk about on a regular basis. We cover a little bit of everything, there is a lot of news stories and photography, but we also look at culture stories on food, fashion, and music. We like to examine life in China (and in the cities we live in, mainly Beijing), there is a liberal sprinkling of sports items, and some social justice/law topics as well. It's a hodgepodge, but we like to think its pretty comprehensive.
Q: What does blogging mean to you? What importance or contribution does your blog have, if any, to yourself or the community?
Blogging is mainly a way to let off steam and relax a little after work for me, to get away from thinking about the office and to think about some of my own hobbies. It's also a way to garner some feedback about the things that are up in my head at any one time. I'd hope readers find it slightly informative and enjoyable and I hope that in some little way its bridging the gap between foreigners and Chinese (yeah right!).
Q: Did you experience any special or out of the ordinary events or interactions as a result of writing a blog?
Meeting up with other bloggers has been a lot of fun and I've made some new friends through it. I also enjoy finding out how diverse the readership is, and through comments can often have some really interesting discussions. I've received some party invites from time to time as well.
Q: How did your blogging help promote you personally? (either professionally, by reputation, additional direct/indirect income or similar)
It hasn't. As I'm not the only one writing the blog (and I personally use it as an escape from work), I try not to talk shop on the blog. We started out using Google Adwords, but have ignored it over time. It's more just about fun then any kind of personal gain, though if any magazine/newspaper wants to pick me up, feel free to drop me a line!!!
Q: How much freedom do you feel you have to discuss what you care about in your blog? Are some topics more sensitive than others? Do you include personal details and stories in your blog? Why?
My blog is a group blog, I'm not the only writer and so almost every post has to be agreed upon among the others, but that has only been a problem once or twice. As I don't deal with work issues and no colleagues know about the blog, I feel like I can write about whatever is on my mind. If personal details are relevant, I'll bring them in, but because its not only 1 writer, the writing isn't always that personal, which is something we're working on changing this year.
Q: How would you generally describe the Chinese expat blogosphere? Do you personally know any other China expat bloggers? In your opinion, what contribution or role does the China expat blogosphere have, if any?
I know a number of the other Chinese expat bloggers, and for the most part have enjoyed my relationship with them. I think those that get it right have a lot to contribute in that they are able to explain China to people back home. However, for every really great blog, there are too many that just perpetuate the negativity out there or are too formulaic/repetitive.
Q: Do you have any favorite blogs about China you would like to recommend?
Too many. ChinaSmack and Danwei are excellent at giving people (especially non-Chinese speakers) a look into China. China Law Blog is a great read. There isn't enough style/fashion in China, but Stylites is working hard at changing that. Beijing Boyce keeps me informed about the new bars that I should be checking out. I could go on, but those are the big ones...
Q: What do you think about life in China, the Chinese people and Chinese culture? How would you generally describe your experience in China?
I love living in China, specifically in Beijing, its such a dynamic city, so much to see and do, sure its cliched, but there is that great mix of old and new, lux and dive. The people are very friendly, it may not seem that way at first, but once you get past the tough exterior, they are very warm. Living here is definitely an experience, one that I imagine more people wish they have, as its fun flowing between the Chinese and expat community.
Q: What advice would you give new bloggers?
Do it for fun, its not going to make you famous, nor will it make you rich. Have in mind a relatively narrow focus (or be able to update constantly) and have a consistent plan. Push yourself to consistently post (be it daily or on a certain day(s)) through the first few months as it will help you gain a readership. Read other blogs, both on similar topics as yours and on anything else you're interested in and comment to let people know you're out there and you have something to say.
Thanks Modern Lei Feng.