Newsletter No. 61

Major Shortcomings The three major shortcomings of the Newsletter, as indicated by the respondents, are the lack of analysis and exposition of major University policies and developments (102 votes, 48%), uninteresting contents and presentation (46 votes, 22%), and insufficiency of useful information (38 votes, 18%). Twelve respondents (6%) raised other criticisms. These include the unnecessary use of high quality paper; the over-official nature of the Newsletter and the lack of two-way communication; absence of a complaints column; discrepancy in content between the Chinese and English versions; lack of focus; articles being insufficiently intellectual; and unclear channels of distribution. A number of respondents indicated that the Newsletter has no major shortcoming; some even consider the quality of journalism to be excellent. Language to Use Of the 125 respondents to the Chinese questionnaire, 69 believe University news should of necessity be reported in Chinese. This is followed by announcements (64 votes) and personalia (55 votes). Each remaining item received fewer than 40 votes. Of the 87 respondents to the English questionnaire, 66 believe University news should of necessity be published in English. This is followed by announcements (65 votes), personalia (47 votes) and feature articles/interviews (40 votes). Eleven respondents expressed a wish that all columns be published in English as they cannot read Chinese. The Newsletter as a Site for Airing Views Only 62 respondents (29%) indicated they are willing to express their views of the University in the Newsletter , 55 respondents (26%) are only willing to write under pseudonyms; 90 respondents (42%) are unwilling to write at all, their main reasons being laziness and a desire to keep a low profile (37 votes), and the belief that open criticism will adversely affect their career in the University (20 votes). Fewer than 10 respondents chose each of the remaining reasons. InterestIn Contributing Three quarters of the respondents have no wish in becoming irregular contributors to the Newsletter while 16 respondents (8%) are interested in doing so. The rest did not respond to this question. Other Comments Of the 31 respondents (15%) who gave comments and suggestions on the Newsletter, 15 wrote in Chinese and 16 in English. All comments and suggestions given in English are printed below. Except for grammatical mistakes, they have not been edited. Comments and Suggestions from 16 Readers • There is always an insufficient number of newsletter distributed to CUHK staff working at PWH. Therefore, I've never been able to receive a copy of my own and need to share between several persons. Some of the latest news would cool down before I receive the information. • This survey is a good idea. • This publication seems to be the only means to obtain information about CUHK — its activities etc, for people new to CUHK and understanding no written Cantonese. It could be a unifying influence on campus, a publication that all are keen to read each week so that they are better informed about all parts of life on CUHK. • Single issues should not exceed the present length — we already have more printed matter coming to us than we can handle. Basically the present range is fine — we could only do with extra in the way of commentary on what goes on in the university. • I find the Newsletter informative, well-written and inviting. You are doing an excellent job! • Good source of University news. Keep up the good work! • I find CUHK Newsletter interesting and informative as it is at present. I always enjoy reading it. • For me, a new CUHK staff, the newsletter is an interesting window into CUHK. Maybe after a year I would have more specific feedback for you, but for now I am just enjoying its contents and find them helpful and informative. • Would it not be much cheaper, cleaner, and quieter to run a tram service throughout the campus, or at least from the KCR to the colleges. I find it sad to see people having a healthy walk up the hill, only to be blasted with a cloud of black diesel fumes from university buses. In the long term, is a tram system viable?... • Interesting and useful information! Analysis and exposition of University policies and development are welcome! • Presently very nice paper used, feels good etc, etc. But as I throw it all away —what a waste! • Thank you. • What is the relevance of married with two/three children? I do not need to know whether Dr X is interested in ANT or Pornography!! Cut out the crap about staff. • Can you make some request form for those who would like to receive the newsletter individually and distribute the newsletter according to their addresses monthly, so that I will not miss any copy of it? • The University lacks an intellectual publication which reflects the life and thought of its members, e.g. the Cambridge Review. However, the CUHK Newsletter is probably not the appropriate platform for this. An alternative, perhaps quarterly, publication is suggested. • Nice format and content. Keep up the good work! NO.61DECEMBER1994 13