More music consumers using legal downloads

Reuters ^ | 2005-06-20 | Ray Bennett

[N3WBI3]

LONDON (Hollywood Reporter) - Around 35% of music consumers now download tracks legally via the Internet and the percentage will soon pass the 40% who have pirated music, according to a new survey released Monday by Entertainment Media Research.

The online research company used data collected from 4000 music consumers to compile the 2006 Digital Music Survey in association with media law firm Olswang.

Fear of prosecution, Internet viruses, and inferior quality were cited as the main deterrents against illegal downloading, the report said. Nearly two-thirds of music consumers said immediate availability was the key reason for buying tracks online.

"The findings indicate that the music industry is approaching a strategic milestone with the population of legal downloaders close to exceeding that of pirates," Entertainment Media Research chief executive Russell Hart said.

John Enser, senior partner at Olswang, added in a statement: "Clear deterrents to illegal downloading are emerging, with fear of prosecution running high, and close behind is the sense that unauthorized downloading is 'not fair on the artists,' suggesting that the industry's messages, led by the British Phonographic Industry, are being communicated effectively."

[R. Scott]

I didn’t start downloading music until I hooked up with Jukebox and Rhapsody, not because I fear the music police licking in my door, but because I’m basically a person who respects the law.

[who knows what evil?]

I can get more variety (different unreleased versions of songs), pick the ones I want, keep what I want, discard the rest.

Lack of variety is what frustrates so many of us re: "pay downloads". I like to mix my own CD's from hundreds of different artists. Trouble is; many aren't available on iTunes, Rhapsody, etc...I don't mind paying 88/99 cents per song, but many I am seeking just aren't available...try finding Bob Seger System, Mahogany Rush, Crawler, Bad Company, Steve Hillage, and so on. Get those licensing issues worked out, and start making money from those of us willing to pay.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

I use Limewire also. I download the oldies that I can't find elsewhere.

[RobRoy]

"I use Limewire also. I download the oldies that I can't find elsewhere."

Yep. That is my primary use of Limewire as well. To be honest though, I really don't respect recorded music as something someone would pay much money for though. It also could just be my age. Well, that plus no TV since '97, no radio since '04, no movie rentals since '04 and I don't even follow the news on the internet any more.

In less than a year I already feel like rip van winkle. I am no longer a part of this culture. And according to Isaiah and Jeremia, that is a good thing.

[Terabitten]

NOTHING from a workbook with perforated pages (unless otherwise stated on the manuscript). The specific purpose of such workbooks is to have the pages torn out and written on. This is how the publishers make money on them, so patrons who make copies of these pages are defeating the purpose of the workbook and are, in effect, denying the publishers their income.

Make sure to tell that to your local elementary schools.....

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Downloading music you have no right to download is in fact wrong, and as close to stealing as one can come without actually meeting the dictionary definition.

I made no value judgment of the practice. I just said that downloading music that you wouldn't buy does not cost anyone any money. I even said that unless money is made few will bother to record and distribute music.

You quckly jumped from my thoughts to your own.