Rethinking digital literary sphere : Internet platforms and Chinese online writing and reading

Xiang Ren

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

Abstract

![CDATA[Chinese digital publishing unlocks creative potential on a population-wide basis. Over 5 million people write actively as registered online writers in literature platforms and 300 million people read digitally only. Internet platforms have replaced traditional publishers and become key intermediaries for public writing and reading, which also integrate with broad digital ecosystems led by Internet giants Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent. Through qualitative research of Chinese online writers and readers, this paper explores the new features of digital publishing platforms and discusses how the emerging models are shaping the ways Chinese people engage with literature. It argues that, while platforms provide an open, connected and inclusive space for writers and readers, they are criticised for commercial exploitation of users’ creative labour and usage data and incorporating digital censorship. It concludes by critically rethinking the independence of Chinese literature in the digital literary sphere mediated by large Internet platforms.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationArea Studies and Beyond: Abstracts of the 22nd Biennial Conference of the Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA), 3 - 5 July 2018, University of Sydney
PublisherAsian Studies Association of Australia
Pages134-134
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2018
EventAsian Studies Association of Australia. Conference -
Duration: 1 Jan 2018 → …

Conference

ConferenceAsian Studies Association of Australia. Conference
Period1/01/18 → …

Keywords

  • digital media
  • writing
  • electronic publishing
  • China

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