Culture & Religion — June 23, 2010

File-Sharing Favors Artistic Output?

Profits have plummeted since tools like Napster appeared, and peer-to-peer file sharing has weakened copyright, but has it also benefited all of us, as two academics argue?

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Profits have plummeted since tools like Napster appeared and peer-to-peer file sharing has weakened copyright, but has it also benefited all of us, as two academics argue? Nate Anderson considers the evidence. The rates of publication of new books, release of new music albums and worldwide feature film production are all rising. Is that evidence that not only has new technology not discouraged artistic production but that weaker copyright protection has benefited society? Or could it be that, “even more recordings would have been produced in the US were it not for file-sharing”?

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

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