The Emergence of the cnFans Spreadsheet

First appearing on cloud-sharing platforms in early 2023, the cnFans Spreadsheet

Key Revelations from the Data:

  • Coordinated review campaigns across multiple platforms
  • Pre-written templates distributed to fan groups
  • Detailed timetables for "natural-looking" review bursts
  • Compensation structures for top review contributors
"The spreadsheet showed military-like precision in managing online narratives. Some posts were scheduled down to the minute when new content dropped,"
- Digital marketing analyst Li Wen

Impact on Chinese Entertainment Industry

The exposure of these practices has led to:

  1. Increased skepticism toward online ratings
  2. Calls for platform transparency reforms
  3. Debate about artificial hype creation
  4. Some advertisers reconsidering influencer partnerships

How Review Platforms Have Responded

Major Chinese review platforms including Douban and Maoyan have introduced anti-manipulation algorithms