I was just reading Rebecca MacKinnon’s article about Web innovation, and why Hong Kong lags behind China. I like Rebecca’s site, but - as one of her readers did - I gotta disagree with her on this one. Here’s why:
Slightly Outnumbered…
To compare the web development happening in China (population 1.3 billion) with Hong Kong (6.9 million) is would be similar to making a comparison between India (1.1 billion) and Dalian China (6 or 7 million, depending on who you ask). On a per capita basis, I wouldn’t be surprised if web development isn’t actually a little better in Hong Kong.
The Copy-Cat Syndrome
We all know that China likes to copy stuff. If you’ve been reading this blog lately, you’re especially aware of that (see China Stolen-Media-of-the-Day below). If you ever need two of anything, you might want to consider giving it to a Chinaman, and it most likely it’ll come back in duplicate. NOTE: Have him CC it to another Chinaman if you need three. This phenomenon seems to be prevalent on the internet as well.
Want Proof?
Here examples of some so-called Chinese web 2.0 innovation, and the corresponding site that was ripped off:
Youku.com is a video site very much like youtube.com.
Xiaonei.com is a blatant rip-off of Facebook.com.
Fotolog.com.cn is a Chinese Flickr copy.
Hipihi.com is the Chinese Second Life.
Dingr.com is a clone of Digg.com.
** For the ultimate copy cat story, see how Digg.cn used the exact same layout as digg.com. I can’t seem to access Digg.cn right now though.
Basically, if you can think of a innovative/pioneering web 2.0 app, chances are it’s been copied in China. They may even be so bold as to slap a “.cn” on the end to replace the “.com” domain.
Web 2.0 is about innovation, and if it’s not original — well then, you’s disqualified in my book. Now granted, I’m glad that these clones are making it to China. Even if they are copies, they do make the Chinese internet a much better place.
But I wouldn’t call it innovation. I can’t think of many web innovations that were made in China.
Can anyone prove me wrong?
I hope so…
And appropriately…
China Stolen-Media-of-the-Day: Star Wars Attack of the Clones
Well, actually it’s not just attack of the clones. Some guy went and uploaded a bunch of Star Wars movies to his tudou account. You can watch 5 Star Wars Episodes streamed back-to-back here. And they’re fast too.
By the way, 25 days left and I still can’t speak Japanese.
10 Responses
larie
April 6th, 2007 at 3:37 am
1Came here via a poster at Sargasso (netherlands) which i appreciate (calles himself ‘chinaman”. I have some interest in China, just started to learn Mandarin, not easy i must admit. Anyway i will come back and read what you write, it looks good and inviting .thanks.
谢谢
admin
April 6th, 2007 at 7:22 am
2I’ll have to look into that page. Though I don’t speak Dutch. But I’m a big fan of Heineken if that counts for anything!
I was really curious to look at my web stats today, to see a big jump in traffic. Imagine my surprise when I saw they were all from the Netherlands!
In any case, thanks for dropping by!
谢谢！
Lonnie
April 6th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
3Great post…I agree wholeheartedly…
I would like to include some of your ideas in an upcoming post on Creativity in China…
Cheers from GZ…
OMBW
admin
April 7th, 2007 at 1:45 am
4Hi Lonnie. That topic would make a great post. I’ve been contemplating doing something similar for Lost Laowai.
I think if you’re going to discuss creativity, check out Ken Robinson’s Speech at the TED Conference. The TEDtalks series are all great, but I really think this one stands out. And it’s interesting to think about it with reference to China. So I urge you to look at that before you write.
Looking forward to your post!
Gang Lu
April 7th, 2007 at 6:05 am
5Hi,
It is very nice to see another blog talking about China internet. If you are interested, my blog have some coverage on this massive market. It will great to share some insights with you later.
Gang Lu
mobinode.com
admin
April 15th, 2007 at 2:57 am
6Your site is pretty cool. And it’s now on my blogroll.
Looks like you got lots of really neato stuff there.
I recommend everyone else, go check it out as well.
Edmund
April 19th, 2007 at 9:07 am
7Talking about innovation, I would like to introduce a new web2.0 blogging site in Hong Kong, LifesterBlog.
LifesterBlog (http://www.lifesterblog.com) is a personal blogging and social networking site. Users can share posts, photos, videos, music and books. In addition, they can design layouts of their blogs, connect with friends, and control privacy settings.
Please spread the words.
Edmund
Chinaman
April 20th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
8Great post!
Was much appreciated in the Netherlands
Keep on blogging!
admin
April 20th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
9Thanks Mr. Chinaman!
I was pretty surprised that I was being read in the netherlands.
Glad to hear it!
Jan Bak
June 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
10For me Web 2.0 is a great innovation in web development and in business as well.
-Jan
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