On my list of ‘Things to do before I die’, I kinda stated that I wanna have something published under my name. Hmm. I have it half-fulfilled now I guess. So I can half-tick it off my list?

The thing is, I wrote the article in English, and then the editor had it translated, so I don’t feel the sense of ownership towards the work. Moreover, I actually made last minute changes to the article which I felt better with, but I was one minute too late. In addition, the article was out in the market since two days ago, but I only saw it today. Haha, my first experience with publications was not too rosy, eh?

The article talks about some unwritten rules about living in China that a foreigner should grasp, but I barely scratched the surface.

I sent the article to my parents for them to take a look, to which they said (quotes are entire):

Father:

Keep it up, just try, avoid sensitive topics.

Mother:

All others are ok, except the paragraph on University lecturers could be sensitive. This does not occur in Shanghai or China alone. I believe this happens in every University, colleges or schools, all over the world.

Your U lecturers might “mark” you if they are the type mentioned in your article. Keep your fingers cross that they would not be your lecturers in the future.

The next time you write such article you could write it in a comical manner, drop out topics relating to government or your U administrators or lecturers.

My advice to you is to be careful the next time the Chinese people or other nationality people ask you to write article or do things for them. They could be making use of you. If you are traveling dont carry your traveling companion luggages or bags. They might be carry illegal things in it. It is better to play safe than be sorry later. Remember always take precaution and dont fully trust anyone, even your best friend. You have to keep a little suspicion on everyone. Things that is sensitive and confidential must be kept to yourself.

Sometimes all I want to hear from them is a “Well done, I’m happy for you”, or something to that extent, you know? Not more irrelevant “advice”.

Sorry for airing dirty linen here.

On another note, you can see the article on the last page of this week’s Oriental Outlook (weekly periodical), 瞭望东方周刊 (June 7 issue). I’ll gladly sign the article for you if you want. Haha.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 6th, 2007 at 3:51 pm and is filed under Home, Ramblings, Taking in; on; and to Shanghai (or China in general). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.