About Us V4.0

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What is this site?

This is the html-based Website of Shanghai Daily, the city’s only English language daily newspaper. Shanghai Daily owns the site and its online department is in charge of its operation.

Why is this site V4.0?

Our site is considered "V4.0" because it is the fourth version of Shanghai Daily's Website. The first one was a totally fee-based Website that offered subscribers PDF file downloading services. The second version was launched around October 2005 and the next design, Version 3.0, was officially launched on January 1, 2007. The current version, which had been thoroughly revamped, was put into use on May 1, 2008.

As this new site develops, we will add new services to it. We will update this in the "About Us" (at the bottom of our homepage) in conjunction with the site's development.

What's the difference between the site and the newspaper?

Most stories published in the print copy are also available online. Advertisements, cartoons, puzzles, horoscopes, and some advertorials are not included on the site.

ShanghaiDaily.com publishes news stories during the day time. They are stories written based on reports from Chinese newspapers, wire services, radio, TV and major news or government Websites as well as breaking news provided by Shanghai Daily reporters. They may or may not appear in the newspaper published the next day.

Not all newspaper pictures will be published on the Website.

Some pictures published online will appear in color. You will also have an opportunity to buy certain pictures taken by Shanghai Daily photographers or other pictures whose copyrights the Shanghai Daily owns.

We may also publish some photos that did not appear in the newspaper because of space limitations.

When will the newspaper stories appear on the site?

Shanghai Daily's online department will upload stories for the next day's newspaper in real time as each page is approved in the newsroom. In most cases, all newspaper edition stories will be on the site no later than 3am Beijing Time.

To ensure a timely display of newspaper stories online, the night shift staff member will upload only some of the pictures suitable for the Website. Other pictures will be uploaded later in the morning.

Is this site totally free?

Like most newspaper Websites around the world, ShanghaiDaily.com is a partly fee-based Website. Non-subscribers will be able to read and search the full text of some news stories that have been published in the newspaper during the past seven days.

What is Editor’s Desk blog? Can I leave comments there?

Editor’s Desk blog is the place where the ShanghaiDaily.com team keeps you posted about developments taking place at this site as well as giving you an insight about the news behind the news stories appearing in either the newspaper or on the Website.

You are more than welcome to leave your comments on the blog. As we are not offering a BBS service, we need to approve every comment before it is published, as required by Chinese regulations.

What is PDF file download?

Shanghai Daily updates PDF files in real time as each day's newspaper is being produced in the newsroom.

With these PDF format files, you will be able to print out every Shanghai Daily page on your computer. To view a PDF file, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.

Why do I see a shopping cart logo under some pictures?

ShanghaiDaily.com sells pictures taken by our photographers. Once you click on that logo, a purchasing form window will pop up. Please submit your information and request in that box and our image agency, Imaginechina (www.imaginechina.net) will contact you by email or telephone about the sales.

What is Live in Shanghai?

"Live in Shanghai" is a English paperless multimedia guide for expats living in Shanghai or those who are coming to the city. We offer easy-to-take and printer-friendly PDF files, interview clips from expats and real-life Flash animations to help everybody enjoy their stay in the city.

Currently it has five sections: Fast Facts, Transport, Housing, Shopping and Miscellaneous.

Fast Facts will give you a general picture of Shanghai. You'll learn more about the city's history, location and languages in about 30 minutes.

Transport is a very important section for newcomers. In it you will find elaborate information on the city's traffic system, including its subways, taxis, buses and airports.

The Housing section is a useful tool for anyone who's looking to rent or buy a house in the city.

The Shopping section offers an introduction to major local shopping venues, bargain tips and sales announcements around town.

The Miscellaneous section covers other service information you may need, such as medical care and schools in your neighborhood.

Each page has a comment function. We're always open to your comments and opinions so we can tailor the site to fit your needs. We want to make this site the best paperless city guide Shanghai has to offer.

What is Science Podcasting?

Science Podcasting, developed by Shanghai Daily's online department in cooperation with Shanghai Science & Technology Committee, is a guide to Shanghai's major attractions in science and technology.

The files are totally free for download in PDF and personal use on MP3 players, mobile phones and all other mobile devices. Each podcast is read both in Chinese and English.

What is Localizable Weather?

The weather panel is fully upgraded to enable you to set it to the city you live in. Click "Select your location" and choose from 15 major cities in China. You will now see the real-time weather condition of your city in the weather panel every time you open the Shanghai Daily homepage.

What is the e-Magazine?

The e-Magazine "Insight" provides readers with our premium business news resources. It will be published periodically in PDF format and is completely free to read. You can also subscribe to our email service which will notify you if a new version of the e-magazine is available.

What is Live in Shanghai 2.0?

This is the long awaited, much anticipated, new and improved version of Live in Shanghai.

"Web 2.0" has been defined as a second generation of Web-based communities and hosted services. Its aim is to facilitate creativity, collaboration, and sharing between users.

So in keeping with the spirit of "web 2.0" the second version of Live in Shanghai is all about user participation and contributions. It is a completely new experience. Almost every aspect of it is interactive.

Live in Shanghai 2.0 has four functional sections - City Guide, Directory, Classified and What's On. City Guide is a collection of articles on all facets of the life in Shanghai. It also includes all the editorial materials from the old Live in Shanghai.

Directory is a Web 2.0-based platform for sharing detailed information on various types of venues. Users can post new shops, restaurants, events, and tips to other expats. They can also post comments and reviews of existing places.

The Classified section replaces the old classified section on ShanghaiDaily.com.

What's On was fully expanded to include reviews written by Shanghai Daily reporters on some performances and events. Users can also add their own events.

What is Shanghai eDaily?

With two editions a day from Monday to Friday, Shanghai eDaily is downloadable through the Internet and wireless connections. Users can download the PDF files of the eDaily to laptop, iPhone, Blackberry, UMPC, PSP and many other portable electronic devices to read the latest news while they are on the go.

Unlike traditional online Web pages, Shanghai eDaily retains a visually friendly newspaper format that's easy on the eyes. The morning edition and afternoon updates provide the latest international and business news, follow-ups, in-depth reports and local news, 24 hours a day.

Beyond the limitations of computer monitors, it offers a convenient and efficient news reading experience.

And more …

If you have any question about the site which has not been answered on this page, please feel free to contact us. We'll be more than happy to answer any questions so we can keep this site the best we can offer.