The Chinese edition of Zoref's book.
The Chinese post photos of overseas vacations, cute pets and gym selfies every moment of every day--but social networks can prove powerful if users understand how to distill collective wisdom.
That's the view Israeli author and crowdsourcing researcher Lior Zoref shares in his book Mindsharing: The Art of Crowdsourcing Everything.
He toured Shanghai and Beijing for the Chinese edition's launch this month.
"Today, social networks are mostly about sharing moments. In the next decade, they'll also help you answer questions and solve complex problems," Zoref writes, quoting Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg, in his preface.
"Before my visit to China, I thought U.S. technology is superior with regards to social networks. Now, I think that Chinese technology in some respects is far more advanced," Zoref tells China Daily.
"People here are so open to the idea of crowdsourcing, because they use the technology so much in their life, probably more than any other nation. That's why I am so happy to publish the book here."
Zoref worked at Microsoft as a marketer from 1996 to 2010.
He's pursuing his PhD at Israel's Bar-Ilan University, where he's researching ways in which people can use social networks for professional development.
His book cites examples of how he got ideas for public speeches and career development from people on social networks with whom he wasn't particularly close, such as acquaintances and friends of friends. He also examines how other people have used social networks to deal with such problems as managing finances, raising children and finding romantic partners.
"There is a saying (that) two heads are smarter than one. I say: What about 1,000 heads?" Zoref says.
He also writes about different strategies for different social-network platforms, how to manage digital relationships and ask the right questions.
The book itself is a product of crowdsourced brainstorming and editing.
"I wrote the draft of each chapter and posted it online for comments," Zoref says.
"I said: 'Don't tell me it's great. If you like something explain why. And if you think something is missing, tell me why.'"
Zoref says that although crowdsourcing is his topic, discussions during his China visit often veered toward questions about how to live happily.
He believes people should start exploring and following their dreams.
Those who are courageous enough to share their passions and dreams with others may discover crowds will help them realize them.
Zoref once shared his aspiration to give a TED talk about his concept of "mindsharing".
His close friends told him it was impossible. But his Facebook and Twitter friends helped him. He delivered the first-ever crowdsourced talk at TED 2012.
"People are afraid to share what their passions are. I was scared, too," Zoref says.
"But being sincere, open and vulnerable－people could see that this is true courage and appreciate it. So, if someone has good advice, they will tell you and help you."
