Piracy May Be Beneficial

Friday, March 21, 2008 | 18:45

Most of us already know this, but it's a good quote:

[Oxford economist Karen Croxson] points out that piracy poses a threat to sales only when those who otherwise would buy become tempted instead to copy. In any market there are some who value the product but never would buy. Their piracy cannot harm the seller. Quite the opposite: because, like any consumer, a pirate will talk to others about product experiences, copying which does not displace sales can actually help business. Consumer 'buzz' is hugely important for sales success, studies have shown, and piracy drives up buzz without the need for extra marketing. #

While it might be morally wrong, digital piracy may have practical benefits; which is more important?