World's Most-Read Blogger

Last week, the Beijing News reported that Chinese actress and director, 33-year-old Xu Jinglei, became the world's most widely-read blogger when her site logged 100 million page views within about 600 days.

Interestingly, her blog (Mandarin or English) focuses on her career as a director of films and everyday life, not the usual celebrity sleaze. Xu has transitioned away from acting to be behind the cameras. A bit of trivia, her favorite movies are The Godfather and Schindler's List.

To celebrate the 100 million page views, Xu has chosen 20 of her online fans to join her at a blow-out party.

The 100 millionth hit occurred on July 12, according to www.sina.com.cn, a popular Chinese website which provides blog services to many Chinese entertainers, including Xu who started hers in October 2005 and published a book of her blogged articles in March 2006.

Notably, Xu Jinglei was interviewed last week by reporter Ellen Lee of the SF Chronicle and she discusses her attitude toward politics and the impact of the Internet on Chinese culture. Listen here in either Mandarin or English.

It's worth mentioning that Technorati, which classifies blogs based on the number of incoming links, had Xu's blog ranked at 47th last week. Nevertheless, the Chinese believe they have the world's most popular blogger.

Tip: Wicked Thoughts

Companion post at The Jawa Report.