THE OFFICIALS running official micro blogs and instant-messaging accounts should always bear in mind that no matter how advanced the technology, these channels should only convey the government's point of view, rather than their personal views, Guangming Daily comments:

The fast development of information technology has made the internet-based channels and platforms, such as micro blogs, an indispensable means for governments to exchange information with the public. If operated well, these new channels can improve the transparency of governance, and help to refute rumors by keeping people informed about government affairs in a timely manner.

However, the official micro blog of Gucheng district in Lijiang responded to people's anger over a recent violent incident in the popular tourist spot in Southwest China's Yunnan province, in which a female tourist was disfigured by locals in a street attack by saying: "You'd better never come! Nobody cares whether you come or not!"