New O’Reilly study on P2P and free distribution available
By Paul Biba
O’Reilly has just published the results of the study it funded. It is available as a PDF for $99 here. This is the description:
Book publishers have long used free content as part of their marketing and selling efforts, with the vast majority of free content distributed in printed form. Digital distribution of free material, either intentional or via unauthorized availability through peer-to-peer sites and other Web outlets, offers a fast and expansive connection to consumers, but content can also be copied and disseminated without publishers’ control. Some publishers are torn between the efficiencies digital distribution provides and concerns over piracy and print-sale cannibalization. This research report is part of an ongoing effort by O’Reilly Media Inc. and Random House to test assumptions about free distribution, P2P availability and their potential impact on book sales.
MediaLoper has just done a podcast of their interview with the study’s author, Brian O’Leary and a full transcript will be available in a couple of days. I haven’t had time to listen to the podcast yet, but hope to soon. It runs about 30 minutes.
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