For many who work with social media, Twitter has become an indispensible tool. It allows us to keep in passive contact with our connected friends no matter where we or they may be located. And while the Twitter user base continues to grow there are other solutions that do much the same thing, but in a different language. Take a look at FanFou for example.
This great post shows how you can tap into the Chinese conversation — even if you don’t speak the language (just follow the instructions) — or check out the YouTube clip. There are many Chinese people who speak and write a small amount of English, so it is possible to engage in basic online conversation (also for Firefox users, add this auto-translation button to your Favourites bar). And with the Beijing Olympics coming up later this year … and many questions round the "Tibet Situation", it could be a fascinating way to gain some insight into China and Chinese thinking ahead of time.
So, now I just need to figure out how to translate "servantofchaos". Hmmm … maybe I should just stick to "Gavin Heaton" for now! If you are interested, you can find me at FanFou.com/servantofchaos
I was just presenting Fanfou (pronounced Fan Fo) yesterday Gavin to my Chinese colleagues. They were skeptical about twitter until of course I revealed this Chinese version.
In Chinese culture it is good form to ask if anyone is hungry, as polite conversation. Fanfou is asking this but in a more formal manner and used by older people if at all.
As for Servant of Chaos in Chinese. The wonderful Connie tells me its 混乱之仆
I’m charlesfrith on Fanfou. Just registering now.
I look forward to any posts you write on your experiences on this. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if you create some strong communities here, too! Keep us posted.
Oh, Gavin, I love that! I’m signing up now 🙂
Thanks for the interesting insight.
Perhaps our Kev (07) might be interested.
Cheers