The Real Story

Do the data show that the music industry is losing sales to P2P. A closer look reveals the truth. Here's a nice summation:

Music industry downturn == funny math and lies: Cory Doctorow: Has the music industry really experienced a downturn? Nielsen ratings say no -- this article explains it all, but Jas_MHz ably summarizes:

RIAA based lost sales on "Units Shipped" NOT cd sold to customer.
RIAA lost sales = record stores hold less stock.
Nielsen ratings based on actual sales = sales are up.
=> RIAA deliberaately misleading everyone and courts.
2=> File Swapping has led to increase in sales.
&=> "Lower Sales" only top 100. Add in non RIAA, non "chart" music sales, long tail sales.
Lies, Damns Lies, Statitics & Supreme Perjury.

Link (Thanks, Jas_MHz!)

(Via Boing Boing Blog)