I definitely think the context you provide is extremely useful, even apart from the flaws of machine translation. I mean, if I wanted to just read a machine translation of weibo posts, I could already just copy and paste them into Google Translate.
I like reading your posts and do so almost every day, but I would not open weibo every day and deal with all the ads and stuff just to read lower-quality AI translations. Plus I appreciate the context you add, and the fact that you answer questions in the comments, and your Q&A series! I've found your posts fascinating and would enjoy continuing to read if you choose to keep posting.
Please keep translating! I don't want a weibo account and your translations are better than machine translations tend to be, plus you give helpful context.
Yeah, just to repeat what alex said below--I don't actually pick the stories. I just go down whatever's trending that day. I specifically don't want to bias people with my personal takes, because I'm not that confident I have good takes. I'd rather just give an objective window into China, and let people walk away with their own opinions.
I am a paid subscriber and I really appreciate your translation. I hope you continue to provide these daily. I was traveling so am a bit behind but I typically read you every day. If you wanted to add more of your commentary to distinguish yourself from AI translation, I would be happy with that as well! But even if you don't, your translation is going to be superior to the autotranslate.
I'm a lowly unpaid subscriber, but I wanted to let you know that I subscribe to several newsletters, and yours is the only one I never delete without reading. Your writing style is so enjoyable. These days I am thrilled to be learning a bit about Chinese history - these things aren't taught (or known about) by most American history teachers. Living in China for so many years offered me no historical insight. If your essays wind up becoming a book, I will buy it, plus copies for some close friends.
There's nothing lowly at all about unpaid subscribers! I appreciate every single view I get, trust me. The point of this substack isn't to make money, it's to get a better picture of China out there for people outside the Fire Wall <3
I agree, your input in providing a readable translation, summarising some longer posts, and providing cultural context is invaluable.
This must all be a lot of work for you though! If it's too much, I know I would also be grateful for a lower-frequency or shorter version of the same thing.
You definitelly add a lot more value than just reading a machine-geneated translation of a post. Chinese to English auto translations are often bad and don't capture slang well. Also, you give a lot of useful context around everything. Not to mention the Chinese history posts, those are amazing as well!
Even if you were textually equivalent to the weibo translation app I love the form factor of your posts. Independent of both those things, a curated substack feels cozier to read. Please continue!
I like that you compile and translate these posts. I wouldn't create a Weibo account, mostly because I deliberately limit my social media use. I like this snippet of a social network I wouldn't otherwise see any of.
You still select posts and translate in “your voice” and I think that’s valuable. Also, you give us notes and place to comment
I definitely think the context you provide is extremely useful, even apart from the flaws of machine translation. I mean, if I wanted to just read a machine translation of weibo posts, I could already just copy and paste them into Google Translate.
++1
I like reading your posts and do so almost every day, but I would not open weibo every day and deal with all the ads and stuff just to read lower-quality AI translations. Plus I appreciate the context you add, and the fact that you answer questions in the comments, and your Q&A series! I've found your posts fascinating and would enjoy continuing to read if you choose to keep posting.
Please keep translating! I don't want a weibo account and your translations are better than machine translations tend to be, plus you give helpful context.
You create huge value with your curation and commentary. Use the auto translate yourself if you want but I hope you continue to pick the stories.
Yeah, just to repeat what alex said below--I don't actually pick the stories. I just go down whatever's trending that day. I specifically don't want to bias people with my personal takes, because I'm not that confident I have good takes. I'd rather just give an objective window into China, and let people walk away with their own opinions.
Recently started reading these. They are are superb and vastly better than the auto-translations. Please keep posting!
I listen to your posts with Pocket when I’m going to work, cooking, etc., and likely woudn‘t open another app and read posts there.
O.o I did not even know this was a feature that existed! How fun!
I am a paid subscriber and I really appreciate your translation. I hope you continue to provide these daily. I was traveling so am a bit behind but I typically read you every day. If you wanted to add more of your commentary to distinguish yourself from AI translation, I would be happy with that as well! But even if you don't, your translation is going to be superior to the autotranslate.
Please continue. Your own opinions are what makes this blog so valuable.
I'm a lowly unpaid subscriber, but I wanted to let you know that I subscribe to several newsletters, and yours is the only one I never delete without reading. Your writing style is so enjoyable. These days I am thrilled to be learning a bit about Chinese history - these things aren't taught (or known about) by most American history teachers. Living in China for so many years offered me no historical insight. If your essays wind up becoming a book, I will buy it, plus copies for some close friends.
Don't work too hard! '好事多磨‘ isn't a real thing.
There's nothing lowly at all about unpaid subscribers! I appreciate every single view I get, trust me. The point of this substack isn't to make money, it's to get a better picture of China out there for people outside the Fire Wall <3
Please don’t stop posting stuff from weibo. I would never go there myself and use translate. Too much trouble.
I agree, your input in providing a readable translation, summarising some longer posts, and providing cultural context is invaluable.
This must all be a lot of work for you though! If it's too much, I know I would also be grateful for a lower-frequency or shorter version of the same thing.
You definitelly add a lot more value than just reading a machine-geneated translation of a post. Chinese to English auto translations are often bad and don't capture slang well. Also, you give a lot of useful context around everything. Not to mention the Chinese history posts, those are amazing as well!
I enjoy reading these posts, and having them emailed right to me pre-translated is absolutely a huge convenience. I hope you'll continue.
Even if you were textually equivalent to the weibo translation app I love the form factor of your posts. Independent of both those things, a curated substack feels cozier to read. Please continue!
I like that you compile and translate these posts. I wouldn't create a Weibo account, mostly because I deliberately limit my social media use. I like this snippet of a social network I wouldn't otherwise see any of.