Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline in commercial value of the Chinese online community platform Hupu, which has been characterized as a "male-centric" space, culminating in its sale for 500 million RMB, significantly lower than its previous valuation of 4.2 billion RMB six years ago [6][8][10]. Group 1: Hupu's Commercial Value - Hupu was sold for 500 million RMB, a stark contrast to its previous investment valuation of 1.26 billion RMB and a peak valuation of 4.2 billion RMB [6][8]. - The platform's commercial value has been described as ranking at the bottom, with the notion that "the commercial value of straight men is less than that of dogs" being a prevailing sentiment [7][10]. - Despite a vibrant community atmosphere, Hupu has struggled to convert this into substantial commercial success, remaining primarily reliant on advertising revenue [3][12]. Group 2: User Demographics and Behavior - Hupu is predominantly male, with male users constituting 90% of its community, and it has become known as the "first straight man base" on the internet [2][14]. - The platform has maintained a focus on male interests, with discussions ranging from sports to gaming, and has fostered a culture of ranking and scoring various topics [14][15]. - Male users exhibit a tendency to engage in discussions rather than making purchases on the platform, preferring to shop on specialized e-commerce sites instead [10][12]. Group 3: Community Dynamics - Hupu serves as a "spiritual refuge" for its users, allowing them to share personal experiences and receive support in a space where they feel understood [18][21]. - The platform has retained a sense of community that contrasts with the more commercialized and algorithm-driven nature of other social media platforms [20][21]. - Users often express their opinions candidly, creating a unique environment that values traditional achievements over modern marketing strategies [15][19].