You Stole My Vegetables! Toucai – The Latest Addictive Game Application on China’s Social Networks

“你今天偷菜了吗?” “Have you stolen vegetables today?” From middle school students, to white collar workers, and even retirees – Chinese netizens of all ages are obsessed with 偷菜 toucai, the latest online gaming application sprouting up all across China’s social network sites (SNS). Players own a virtual farm where they plant fruits and vegetables. They purchase [...]


The Language and Branding of QQ in China

Last week Josh left the following comment on my post, “An Introduction to Virtual Currency in China”:
“Speaking of QQ, I’m pretty interested in the company behind that brand. I’ve seen the QQ logo everywhere from candy to cars. Are they really that diversified or is it just various companies using that particular popular brand association?”
This [...]


An Introduction to Virtual Currency in China

After a long week of overtime with my eyes glued to the computer screen, I needed some time away from the monitor. On Saturday morning I walked from my apartment to the newspaper stand down the street and picked up a copy of the only print Chinese publication I read on a regular basis, Caijing [...]