Listen, download and buy music on the Internet is an increasingly common practice. Is difficult to reach a business model that appeals to artists, producers, record labels and, of course, that Internet users do not always want to pay for content.

Unlike the claims of the entertainment industry, the exchange of digital files causes less damage than you think – is the assertion of a study published by Harvard Business School.

A research conducted by the economists Felix Oberholzer-Gee and Koleman Strumpf indicates that although the sale of records have fallen since 2000, the number of albums created more than doubled during 2000, 35.5 thousand titles were launched, while in 2007 , the number reached 79.6 thousand, 25.1 thousand albums including digital.

The study also indicates that the exchange of files protected by copyright does not have drastic economic effects.

The download would not, therefore, a lost sale – remixes and mashups (mixed songs) may even encourage the sale of original songs. In addition, increased demand for shows.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that increased public access to music and a weaker protection of copyrights, apparently benefited from the company.

In short, the consumer of today wants low price, portability and unlimited catalog.

Via: Harvard Business School.