I guess you’re referring to some of the experiences Ma has had with his one-man socialist project in his hometown, with local leaders helping to fund it but then later stepping in when things started moving faster than they expected. It’s still going, but on official terms now. Didn’t pay much attention exactly to what those are, unfortunately.

What were some of the problems contributing to the un-success of initiatives your classmates took? What exactly were they involved in? Participating in programs? Or organizing their own?

I know what you mean about ruthlessness to this, and I don’t even think that the iffy legality of something like this is the biggest thing to worry about. I thought briefly about signing up, it’s just for a week or two, right? But then I immediately thought of how embarrased I would be to tell almost anybody I know here in Guangzhou that I had taken part in a socialist-themed work camp. Not embarrassed, worried! Worried about what being perceived as left-leaning would do to my reputation here…hehe

I met a few people like Ma Yonghong in my university too. Unfortunately, none of them was able to achieve what s/he initially dreamed. Can Ma Yonghong’s dream survives in this ruthless world, especially in China? I think a follow-up story one year after this one is more interesting.