The music pirates that the music industry has been targetting for a decade are also their biggest customers, according to a new study.

The study, based on an Ipsos Mori poll, found that people who illegally download music from the Internet spend more money on music than anyone else. People who admit illegally downloading music spent an average of £77 a year on music – £33 more than those who never download music illegally.

"The latest approach from the Government will not help prop up an ailing music industry," said Peter Bradwell, from the study sponsor Demos. "Politicians and music companies need to recognise that the nature of music consumption has changed, and consumers are demanding lower prices and easier access."

Unfortunately, the survey results seem to support both sides of the music piracy argument:

• The music industry can argue that music piracy is replacing music purchases among their most important customers, hardcore music fans.
• P2P advocates can argue that music sharing exposes people to music they might not have otherwise tried, leading to higher sales.

What do you think? Does music piracy actually increase music sales?

via The Independent

Image of Boofy the pirate by EssjayNZ

James Lewin
Twitter @podcasting_news

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