Music pirates biggest digital spenders

Web users who illegally download music from the internet actually spend more money on legal music downloads than other users, according to a new survey. According to digital music research company, The Leading Question, music pirates spend four and half times more on legitimate music downloads than average fans. The survey found that while the average music fan spends just £1.27 a month on digital tracks, illegal downloaders spend an average of £5.52 on legal digital music. Web users who illegally download music are also keen to try new music services such as music downloads to mobile phones - with 60 per cent of pirates revealling that they would like to have an MP3 player on their phone, compared to just 29 per cent of other music fans. According to the survey, the music industry should “capitalise on the power of the p2p networks to entice consumers into more attractive legal alternatives”, rather than taking them to court. Paul Brindley, director at The Leading Question, said: “There’s a myth that illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music. In reality, they are often hardcore fans who are extremely enthusiastic about adopting paid-for services.”