I recently blogged about the RIAA's new public message that P2P file-sharing has been contained, and how the real truth is P2P file-sharing is still on the rise. Today, Thomas Mennecke of Slyck points out that not only is P2P use on the rise, but weekly digital sales numbers are declining as well. "According to Neilson[sic]/Soundscan's statistics, in January '06, 17.56 million tracks were sold. This number fell to 16.68 million in April. Although this decline is modest, it's a direction few in the music industry want to see. By comparing the trend lines of digital sales in 2005 and 2006, the two appear precariously destined to collide in early 2007."
It's highly unlike Bainwol to dismiss P2P as a problem; he obviously has access to Soundscan numbers and to any research I'm able to dig up. So what's the rub? I'm still betting that the RIAA's new public stance is a method to distance itself from the continued bad press generated by individual lawsuits against 18,000 Americans.
[via Slyck]
1. 1. Sue Grannies and Kids
2. Declare victory over P2P
3. ????
4. PROFIT!
Posted at 2:38AM on Jun 17th 2006 by Julian Bond