tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097293516411888153.post7169760431655111358..comments2023-12-04T10:02:29.445-06:00Comments on Mark's China Blog: Win in China - Interview With Robert A. ComptonMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967364257656897151noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097293516411888153.post-40094955986685237442009-10-03T16:41:56.270-05:002009-10-03T16:41:56.270-05:00On my notes I wrote that nearly every Chinese pers...On my notes I wrote that nearly every Chinese person spoke perfect English. I'd believe that Jack Ma is a Chinese American based on how well he speaks.<br /><br />To answer your last question, Hopfrog, I think that westerners in China have to have strong partnerships with local Chinese people to be successful. There are just too many factors for a foreigner to expect to be successful "going it alone." Westerners, as well as Chinese, can certainly be wildly successful. That's for sure.<br /><br />I do, at least, question the quote from the movie, "In today's China, anyone can win." I don't suspect that migrants or farmers feel that way (as I posited in the post on Thursday). I asked Compton about the poor in China and he answered that he simply doesn't have too much experience with them and couldn't say for sure.<br /><br />And about the Wolf, Mr. Compton said his business is booming where as Sun Ming's is struggling. The Wolf definitely knows what he is doing.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00967364257656897151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097293516411888153.post-77080112649771530482009-10-03T13:58:02.068-05:002009-10-03T13:58:02.068-05:00Wow, so many comments (as usual) after watching th...Wow, so many comments (as usual) after watching this show.<br /><br />First off I may be teaching English in China and I will absolutely hold on to this DVD because I think there is a great motivator for learning English in this DVD. I think in one of my first classes I would play this and ask what does everyone notice about all the successful CEO's that are judges? They are giving their interviews in almost perfect English.<br /><br />Secondly, I notice Compton has done a wide range of things in his life. I truly believe he has found his niche and I cannot wait to view 2mm. This was an excellent documentary that should be shown on American cable. So educational for those Americans that still think the Chinese walk around with little red books.<br /><br />I'm really a big fan of Jack Ma and his wise insights. I love how he openly points out that 10 years ago such a documentary by a westerner would not be possible, but now, hey no problem. It says a lot about modern China.<br /><br />As I was watching the documentary I kept saying, hey this is how we used to talk in America, this all used to be possible here too. And of course one of the commentators says the exact same thing about this being like America in the 20's or 50's. I thought his summation nailed it.<br /><br />I found it humurous that the recommendation to one of the contests was to "go to Wharton". So much of the terminology and philosophy throughout the show seemed right out of an American university.<br /><br />I still wonder why Mao's photo is the one hanging outside of Tianmen. Seems to me that nowadays it should be Peng's. Oh thats right, there are still those who make fortunes off an ideology. At least they are giving some other people a chance now.<br /><br />As for the Wolf. The only thing I had a problem with was his outright lying to the graphics artists, other than that, I felt he thought outside the box. Then again I didn't see the whole series, but honestly, it seems he should have been there. I also thought the guy who won, should have won, from the brief clips I saw.<br /><br />I do have one criticism. The last line states "China is a nation, it seems, where anyone can win.". Hmmm.... Lets ask the Tibetans and Uighurs about that one. Or how about a westerner. Do you think a westerner could go over to China and start a business without facing insurmountable roadblocks? I really don't know. Thats one thing I take issue with and at this point I don't know if its valid yet. In America a Chinese immigrant could come here, start a business, and prosper. How open is Chinese Capitalism? Could you or I do the same thing, go over to China and start a business on a level playing ground? I'm not being rhetorical, I'm gray in this area, what do you think Mark?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097293516411888153.post-40460944183162668782009-10-01T21:53:59.217-05:002009-10-01T21:53:59.217-05:00I did get an advanced copy of the book. I'm re...I did get an advanced copy of the book. I'm really enjoying getting the chance to review books and films and such and hope that I continue to get these kinds of chances. <br /><br />These opportunities are a nice reward for all of the hard work I've put in on this blog over the past several months, I suppose.<br /><br />You can wait to read what I write about the book to see if you think it sounds interesting. I'm learning a lot from it so far.<br /><br />I haven't seen 2mm. I'd like to. Especially since, from my experiences, I don't particularly like the Chinese high school system. When you talk with kids in China, all they can tell you about is homework, homework, and more homework. They're worked to death and have no chance for any sort of extra-curricular activities. I don't think that such a system is very good.<br /><br />Saying that, I would like to see 2mm's take on it.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00967364257656897151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097293516411888153.post-63678580776420186882009-10-01T13:57:01.959-05:002009-10-01T13:57:01.959-05:00Superfusion releases in a few weeks, you get an ad...Superfusion releases in a few weeks, you get an advance copy? Anyways, if its having that profound an effect I will definitely pick it up.<br /><br />Mr. Compton is very prolific and experienced, I wish I had that kind of drive. Have you seen 2mm? As an educator (or at least as one in your China life) its seems it might be up your alley. I am fascinated by the concept and will probably end up ordering it as well, but I will wait and see how Win in China stacks up first.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097293516411888153.post-20301043092452564342009-10-01T11:50:32.055-05:002009-10-01T11:50:32.055-05:00Thanks, Hopfrog. This really was an interesting in...Thanks, Hopfrog. This really was an interesting interview with Mr. Compton. He's an incredibly knowledgeable person. I'm grateful to have had the chance to talk with him. Check out what he's done on the <a href="http://robertacompton.com/biography.html" rel="nofollow">link</a> I put for his name in the post. He's one of the most forward-thinking investors in the entire United States. His thoughts on China need to be listened to.<br /><br />I hear what you mean on the fear aspect of what's going on abroad. It is intimidating.<br /><br />I'm going to have a review of the book - <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Superfusion/Zachary-Karabell/9781416583707" rel="nofollow">Superfusion: How China and America Became One Economy and Why the World's Prosperity Depends on It</a> by <a href="http://www.rivertwice.com//about" rel="nofollow">Zachary Karabel</a> - in the next couple weeks.<br /><br />I'm only half way through it right now, but I strongly suggest that you pick it up when you can, Hopfrog. It addresses all of the concerns that you're bringing up. It's blowing my mind so far.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00967364257656897151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097293516411888153.post-66719519385040580312009-10-01T03:38:40.997-05:002009-10-01T03:38:40.997-05:00I think this conversation between you and Compton ...I think this conversation between you and Compton is a perfect capsulation of where China and America are heading and provides a look behind the curtain into modern Chinese ideology that most Americans are clueless about.<br /><br />As we have discussed here before Mark, one of the main themes at MCB is where both China and America are headed at these crossroads. I think your interview was consistent with that and again I have to give you quick kudos for the excellent questions and focus for the interview. I particularly liked the question and response to the idea that China's public funding may not be an efficient allocation of resource. I think the answer shows exactly why the U.S. better stop patting itself on the back for its success the last century and wake up.<br /><br />The more I think about what is going to happen, the more it gives me a tad sense of dread. Superpowers have come and gone through the centuries and I am sure most were never aware of their imminent collapse. Warren Buffet used to invest in Coca Cola, now its BYD. The writing is on the walls.<br /><br />I am happy to see countries like China and India pull themselves out of poverty, I think its good for the world, but I also fear what lies ahead for America. Also, America benefitted from the entreprenurial spirit of immigrants from all countries, is China's spirit going to be open or reserved only for the Han? While MCB and its readers have a much better understanding of China than the average American, it still remains a mystery. Does China want to rise up as a world leader and promote symbiosis with the other countries of the world? Or does it see itself as a sleeping dragon, about to awaken and claims its destiny and breathe fire? I wish I knew.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com