User talk:Lidstrom82

Quotations of Chairman Mao, Total printed.
I have two sources for you, one here, http://chinascope.org/main/content/view/413/131/, and one here http://books.google.com/books?id=uGZIziWmlmsC&pg=PA186&dq=Quotations+from+Chairman+Mao+%226.5+billion%22&as_brr=3&hl=ja&sig=8-PRBeIQMPYUjfDMkXACYtA4yhI. While I agree it seems like a lot to have been published, those are two good sources, and I do not see why they should be ignored if you or myself find them not likely. One says 5 billion and the other says 6 billion. I think it should be noted in the article. Discuss why we should ignore these sources. (Majin Takeru (talk) 19:26, 21 June 2008 (UTC))

Well, I see what you are saying. Most printed / Best sold, doesn't really matter to me. Most printed is fine as well, and I noticed that on the best selling page too. As far as forced distribution, I would have to say sure, but what most people forget is that most of the population of China supported Mao and the Cultural Revolution at the time. Even the two faced, quick turner Jung Chang used to thump capitalist roaders over the head with her own copy of "Quotations". Point being, people forget to realize the the Chinese of the time supported Mao. Point is, if that book was printed in those numbers it should be noted, it is still amazing. The Chinese exported the book in over 10 different languages and at numbers in the millions as well, so the those numbers should be factored in. Its also worth mentioning that from 1966 to well into the late 70's, Maoism was global, which various parties claiming Mao Zedong Thought peppered throughout the world. (Majin Takeru (talk) 21:02, 21 June 2008 (UTC))

Hey man, I do agree that the number printed is staggering. So you're saying that there was a sizable demand for the book, that shouldn't be overlooked even if forced distribution was widespread? I'll take your word on that, because I certainly don't doubt Mao's influence. In the end, I'm just curious about what the actual number is, regardless of cited sources. It is hundreds of millions? Billions? Either way it's intriguing and impressive.

I am currently discussing the removal of the Bible from the list, or re-addition of Quotations. Curious on your thoughts, please take a look at the best selling list talk page. (Majin Takeru (talk) 01:44, 28 June 2008 (UTC))

Hi again Majin,

My initial thought is, why re-add Quotations to the list if we don't accurately know the full number printed, let alone sold? In our dialogue we've discussed how several sources go with a number close to either 1 billion or 6 billion for Quotations, that is, copies printed. Until we can nail that down, we cannot go the extra step and add it into a "bestselling list"...but certainly we can add it to a "most printed" list.

As for the Bible, I looked for where the 6 billion number came from..it is a compilation of estimates, written records, and total sales over the millennia, and it was acknowledged that many copies they counted were handed out freely. That would correspond with the number of copies of Quotations were forces upon some people - either way it's not paid for, sometimes unasked for, but it was distributed/given.

According to a Time Life publication from 2006, The Top Ten of Everything series of books, and others, best estimates for the Bible are at 6 billion, and many of the same sources cite Quotations at over 900 million. Personally I would recommend placing Quotations back on the best-selling list, but not at the 6 billion figure; rather, the 1 billion figure for now, pending further evidence in the future. How's that sound?