FAQs: The Answers to Your Questions

Here are some answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] we get at What’s on Weibo.

Q: What kind of site is this?

What’s on Weibo is an independent news site by Manya Koetse reporting social trends in an ever-changing China. What’s on Weibo sheds light on Chinese social media, dynamic digital culture, and the key shifts shaping modern China. With a strong focus on China’s online media environment, What’s on Weibo aims to explain the stories behind the hashtags. For more about us, read our ‘about page’ here.

Q: Can you help me with questions relating to my Weibo account?

We can’t, sorry. What’s on Weibo is in no way affiliated with Sina Weibo and we know so many of you have questions about your Weibo account, but we really cannot help you. Please do not email us with questions related to your Weibo account.

Q: What is the best way to follow you?

First, the best way to follow us is to subscribe here. You can also register as a member for free here. By doing so, you’ll get a simplified version of our Weibo Watch newsletter. On social media, follow the official What’s on Weibo account on Twitter, follow editor-in-chief Manya Koetse on Twitter, or stay up-to-date via Linkedin, Instagram, or Facebook.

Q: What subscription plans are available?

To enjoy unlimited access to our content + archives + receive the Weibo Watch newsletter, you can subscribe as a premium member here. Our annual subscription price is set at only $49. Prefer to explore first? While browsing articles, you’ll encounter a quick sign-up form that allows you to join as a free subscriber. Signing up gives you limited access to free content (one free article per month) and you’ll receive a simplified version of the Weibo Watch newsletter.

Q: What is the difference between being a free member and a premium membership?

Premium members get unlimited access to all of our latest, our archives, and our premium content. With the free plan, you get access to one (non-premium) article for free every month, after which you’ll see a pop-up inviting you to become a paying subscriber in order to continue reading. By becoming a paying subscriber, you are not just getting access to the site, you are also supporting What’s on Weibo so that we can keep doing what we do and stay 100% independent. Your support is crucial to us, so please do subscribe.

Q: I do not have a credit card, can I pay by Paypal?

If your preferred method of payment to subscribe is not available through our subscription model, let us know via info[@]whatsonweibo.com and we will see if we can add your preferred way of paying and make it work!

Q: I have trouble logging in

If you encounter any trouble logging in, please email us at info@whatsonweibo.com and let us know your registered email address and what kind of problem you encounter. A screenshot helps! We will make sure to make solve your issue asap.

Q: Can I get a receipt or invoice?

If you go to ‘My Account’ you can click the ‘generate invoice’ option underneath ‘Purchase History’ in order to download an invoice. If you need a receipt, we’re also happy to send you one, just give us a quick heads up via info[@]whatsonweibo.com that you’d like one and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Q: I’d like to support you, how do I do that?

You’re the best! You are already supporting us by being a reader and by subscribing. If you want to support us beyond this, we welcome donations via our donate page.

Q: How do I cancel my subscription?

Go to the home page www.whatsonweibo.com and click “My Account” if logged in, or “Log In” to first login. Next, click “cancel my subscription” underneath the details of your subscription and confirm. Cancellations take effect at the end of your billing cycle. We can’t give partial refunds for unused time in the billing cycle.

Q: How do I delete my account?

If you want to completely delete your account, go to ‘My Account‘ and below ‘Your Profile,’ you’ll find a “delete account” option.

Q: I accidentally unsubscribed myself from the newsletter, how do I get resubscribed to the newsletter service?

You accidentally tapped “unsubscribe” on our emails and didn’t mean to? That can happen! Sign up via the form below and you’ll be added back on.