Condry (2004)
Contents
Source Details
Condry (2004) | |
Title: | Cultures of music piracy An ethnographic comparison of the US and Japan |
Author(s): | Condry, I. |
Year: | 2004 |
Citation: | Condry, I. (2004). Cultures of music piracy An ethnographic comparison of the US and Japan. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 7(3), 343-363. |
Link(s): | Definitive |
Key Related Studies: | |
Discipline: | |
Linked by: | Steinmetz and Tunnell (2013), Wang, Yang and Bhattacharjee (2011) |
About the Data | |
Data Description: | The article includes secondary data from RIAA and RIAA along with data from multiple other articles, Oberholzer, 2004 and Vogel, 2001 being examples.
The author also surveyed university students from the United States about illegal downloading using 70 essay question surveys. |
Data Type: | Primary and Secondary data |
Secondary Data Sources: | |
Data Collection Methods: | |
Data Analysis Methods: | |
Industry(ies): | |
Country(ies): | |
Cross Country Study?: | Yes |
Comparative Study?: | Yes |
Literature review?: | No |
Government or policy study?: | No |
Time Period(s) of Collection: |
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Abstract
In 2003, the US recording industry, hoping to change what some view as a ‘culture of piracy’, initiated lawsuits against its own consumers. What is this culture of piracy and what is at stake in trying to change it? In this article, I take an ethnographic look at music file-sharing, and compare the situation in the US with Japan, the second largest music market in the world. My findings are based on fieldwork in Tokyo, and surveys and discussions with US college students. By considering the ways social dynamics and cultural orientations guide uses of digital media technology, I argue that a legal and political focus on ‘piracy’ ignores crucial aspects of file-sharing, and is misleading in the assumptions it makes for policy. A focus on fan participation in media success provides an alternative perspective on how to encourage flourishing music cultures.
Main Results of the Study
Explores the impact of illegal downloading activity using secondary data and survey data from university students in the United StatesHighlights the difference between the way Japan and US share music as in Japan using internet data is expensive compared to the US so they share by copying on hard drives and CD's while US share more via the internet. Hence preventing online sharing does not prevent copyingThe authors points out that declining record sales could be attributed to increases in price instead of attributing it to solely file sharing. Warns against draconian copyright regimes as it could hinder the competitiveness of US copyright products .Concludes by pointing out that file sharing is a way for consumers to spread knowledge about new music and that there is also the try before you by aspect to file sharing where consumers can test music before buying it.
Policy Implications as Stated By Author
Suggested the music industry update their business models to take into account technological developments and changes in demand
Coverage of Study
Datasets
Sample size: | 70 |
Level of aggregation: | Individual |
Period of material under study: | 2003-2004 |