Storytellers and the Dream Factory

This book uncovers the vibrant yet complex world of China's internet literature, exploring how it thrives amid plagiarism debates and redefines intellectual property in the digital age.

This work traces the evolution of online literature from its grassroots beginnings to its current status as a cultural and economic force. Through an analysis of the evolving relationships between writers, readers, platforms, and technology, this book challenges traditional notions of intellectual property ownership and creativity. It illustrates how collaborative storytelling, platform algorithms, and reader interactions are reshaping content production and consumption. Blending sociology and legal studies, the author investigates the ecosystem’s unique dynamics, including its informal norms, creator stratification, and tensions with formal economic institutions, while providing case studies of influential platforms and writers.

This book is essential reading for scholars of digital culture, media studies, and Chinese society. It will also appeal to librarians, publishers, and general readers who are curious about the intersection of technology, creativity, and modern storytelling.