Some of you may remember a post back in October about a new Chinese magazine, Dongxi, that was seeking submissions from writers. After receiving this email from a reader (and a friend) I regret that I ever gave them free advertising.
I’m writing to the 3 of you to let you know that after a series of emails regarding publishing my poetry in Dongxi, the new literary journal that convinced the 3 of you and who knows who else to help support their launch on your respective blogs, Dongxi, who “bought” 4 of my poems, has sent me neither the money they promised nor copies of the first issue, which they announced in a broadcast email, had been published.
I don’t blame you; had they contacted me to promote their launch, I would have done as you did. I just thought I’d let you know. I’m disappointed, but it’s hardly a major loss, except perhaps in trust and confidence in the literary endeavor they floated.
I’ve emailed inquiries to them of course, but they’ve gone unanswered.
Thought you’d like to know, but maybe you’d guessed as much.
Several of you raised questions about Dongxi in the comments of the old post, and it looks like the skeptics were right. Dongxi editors, if you’re reading this, here’s your chance to redeem yourselves or face the eternal scorn and wrath of disillusionsed Peking Duck readers.
1
By G.
I received the first edition of Dongxi in the snail mail today and will read it later. It looks pretty ok, and it credits all the blogs that have mentioned the magazine.
From what I understand it’s at the moment pretty much a one man operation. I can’t say anything about payments as I didn’t submit anything but I have the feeling that the intentions are sincere.
Hopefully the people behind Dongxi will shed some light on these issues as the venture itself is a good one.
December 28, 2005 @ 10:11 am | Comment
2
By Steve
While we are not (at least currently) paying for content submissions (we haven”t started selling advertising yet, but plan to in the future), http://www.beijinglives.com would love any submissions from writers, photographers and whoever else thinks they have something to share with the Beijing community.
Will pay with thanks and a few beers for now. But if we start making money someday, I do plan to offer money for submissions.
Feel free to write to steve@beijinglives.com with anything of interest, or with any ideas on how to make (our still developing) site better. Thanks. 🙂
December 29, 2005 @ 12:20 am | Comment
3
By Feng 37
Oh dear.
I’m not a liar, cheat, fraud or fake.
I AM a combination of lazy, severely overworked, and part-time literary nut.
I spent nearly three hours at the post office on Dec. 20 sending out three hundred copies of the first issue to all the subscribers and contributors and came home with almost as many paper cuts. I had even sent 50 copies to the person who raised her concerns above (if I’ve assumed correctly), and if they haven’t yet arrived, I can only blame China Post or whoever might be slowly screening her mail.
As for the monies, I did initially offer to pay our contributors–of which only four requested payment–and I most certainly do intend to follow through with that promise.
I did make a mistake in waiting so long and I don’t expect any forgiveness or leniency for that; I just politely request that when this contributor has received both her payment (which will be deposited within the next hour, I guarantee) AND her copies in the mail, that she be so kind to state so here–only in the hopes that this many-benefitting and well-meaning project doesn’t get hurt by the laziness of an individual.
I’ve included my mobile number in the magazine, and I encourage any subscribers with grievances to contact me directly.
I still have 200 copies sitting on my sofa. If you’re reading this and you’d like to subscribe, please send me a(ny) postal address to: dxzine@gmail.com
Feng 37
Editor
Dongxi Magazine
I’d also like to point out that the reason I’ve used a fake name is not to protect myself from the mistakes I make, but to protect myself from the actions certain parties might take in response to the good things I’m trying to do.
December 29, 2005 @ 7:14 pm | Comment
4
By myrick
AsiaPundit received 10 copies of the mag today – plus there is a nice shout out to China blogs on pps 5-6 (Peking Duck gets the biggest graphic too)
December 29, 2005 @ 9:45 pm | Comment
5
By Feng 37
I wonder, given Peking Duck’s harsh tone prior to knowing all the facts (thanks G. and myrick!), whether this post might further lessen the chances of Dongxi’s continuance.
Any non-involved third-party readers willing to comment?
Dongxi is an ad-free literary and arts magazine put together by a single person using the charity of The China Blogs and a Gmail account. This is not my job, and I do nothing at work related to computers or media.
I design Dongxi using my own free time, pay for Dongxi’s printing using my own money, and distribute Dongxi using both my free time and money.
Dongxi exists entirely for the good of those people living in China who enjoy reading quality poetry and short stories in English. There is something about words on paper that a computer screen just cannot compete with, and I believe a lot of people would agree.
Since Renditions (renditions.org) ceased publication three years ago, who else is doing work in this arena? Or willing to?
Even better, future issues of Dongxi will include translations of Chinese poems and stories into English. If Dongxi goes under, will Peking Duck claim this as a victory against procrastinators working for the public good?
I’ll admit that what the contributor said above is entirely fair, and I’ll admit that I’m lazy and responsible for her now feeling the way she does, and I will even go out of my way to spare you the details of my extenuating circumstances.
But I do ask for your consideration of what something like Dongxi represents for Chinese-Western cultural exchange, and most importantly, what it could easily become with the support of the foreign population in general (Dongxi does not have any ideological or political slant).
December 29, 2005 @ 10:57 pm | Comment
6
By the one
I am the complainant and 37 did just email me that he has paid me and I believe him. I’d written to him twice and got no responce–what was I supposed to think? I’m sure as well that he’s mailed me the issues and I’ll get them soon.
Thanks very much who ever you are.
December 29, 2005 @ 11:14 pm | Comment
7
By richard
My harsh tone? Look, the piece was written by a friend of mine, as I said, and i don’t think the tone was harsh. When you’re dealing with people in business, you don’t ignore their emails and make it appear you’re avoiding your commitments – especially when you are dealing with bloggers. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
To my friend above, I’m glad to see they contacted you, finally.
Best of luck to Dongxi, and hope they’ve learned something from the episode.
December 29, 2005 @ 11:33 pm | Comment