An online store in China that collects and sells people’s life stories for just 15 cents apiece a hit in China
- A Chinese writer opened an online shop nine years ago selling ordinary Chinese people’s life stories
- Despite running at a loss, the store has attracted 300,000 followers
A Chinese writer who collects and sells the inspirational and moving life stories of people has become an online hit, amassing 300,000 followers.
Seeking her own inspiration as a freelance writer, Cong Pingping, launched an online shop in 2012 asking people to share a moment of their life with her by writing their story.
In nine years, Cong has collected more than 2,000 personal stories on the site that now has 300,000 online followers. She believes that storytelling is not only powerful but cathartic.
But giving 80 per cent of all revenue back to the writers means that Cong has struggled to keep the shop and its bank of life stories afloat.
“Many contributors told me when they finished writing their story and sent it to my email, the moment they pressed sent, they felt they have let it go,” Cong told local outlet Jiangsu News.
