Topics in Economic Analysis & Policy · 2006 · 121 citations · 3 references
HumanitiesMarketingCopyright LawDigital MarketingMusic SociologyDigital MarketsInformation SharingMusic ConsumptionMusic Industry StudiesMusic TechnologyPopular MusicConsumer Expenditure AnalysisDigital Music SalesFile Sharing SystemsMusic Consumer BehaviorMusic Industry PolicyMusic SharingPopular Music Industry
Abstract The first file-sharing software, Napster, was shut down in 2001, but the copying technologys impact on the music industry is still passionately debated. This paper uses micro-level data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey to examine the impact of Internet file sharing on music sales. Music industry representatives argue that the practice decreases CD sales, while supporters of file-sharing allege the practice could actually increase sales. Using household-level data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey, we find support for the claim that file-sharing has decreased sales.
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