Koleman Strumpf: The Case of Recorded Music and Movies

[brettluckman]

have you considered that people may be less likely to purchase music simply due to the existence of file-shareing even if they themselves are not engaging in it. People may feel stupid for purchasing music that other people are stealing for free, or they may feel stupid for purchasing music they themselves could easily obtain through file-shareing. These thoughts may deter someone from buying music, even if he or she never gets around to illegally downloading the songs.

[brettluckman]

have you considered that people may be less likely to purchase music simply due to the existence of file-shareing even if they themselves are not engaging in it. People may feel stupid for purchasing music that other people are stealing for free, or they may feel stupid for purchasing music they themselves could easily obtain through file-shareing. These thoughts may deter someone from buying music, even of he or she never gets around to illegally downloading the songs.