Study Shows Downloaders Buy Songs Too

According to British research firm The Leading Question, illegal file sharers are more likely to purchase legal music downloads than others.

Authors of the organization’s report characterized as a “myth” the notion that illegal file sharers are simply “mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music.” Those who illegally share music are four and a half times more likely to buy music online, according to The Leading Question, indicating that these are users who are enthusiastic about music and are willing to patronize legal online music services if they are sufficiently compelling. A spokesperson from the British Phonographic Industry said the group was pleased with the new report but added that the practice of illegal file trading still is a significant drain on revenues to record labels. The report also found that most users are not likely to start using cell phones as their preferred music devices any time soon.

BBC, 27 July 2005