OUR SCHOOL'S BBS

The Chinese Education Ministry has been ordering colleges to tighten controls on student-run discussion sites recently.  Our school’s BBS informed every user that they must register with their real names when going online after March 28th. In addition, the off-campus users, especially students and faculty from other universities, will have no rights to post on the BBS. The change has caused widespread discussion among students and scholars.

Chang Ping, an editor of " Waitan Pictorial", wrote a critical report to oppose the new policies. He thinks the new measures are blocking communication between students and outsiders. He said, "The colleges shouldn't build a net-wall. To cage the students in a small room cannot be a good education method." One student spoke on condition of anonymity, “ That makes BBS return to ten years ago.”

Li Jin, a graduate student, found he was unauthorized several days ago. He felt hurt. “ I often go to the BBS of my Alma Mater although I am busy in business now. I felt as if I had lost “my spiritual home.” 

Although some people think the new policies are indiscreet and stupid, some students consider them necessary. “I know it is not convenient for the alumni to read or leaving messages. The new measures help to better manage BBS. The real-name policy will force the users to take the responsibility for their words,” Liu jianquan, a web site manger, said.