i've been saying this for a while now, but after a study, two profs are saying it too: "internet music piracy has no negative effect on legitimate music sales." two choice quotes: "Downloads have an effect on sales which is statistically indistinguishable from zero, despite rather precise estimates." and "'Say I offer you a free flight to Florida,' [Oberholzer-Gee] asks. 'How likely is it that you will go to Florida? It is very likely, because the price is free.' If there were no free ticket, that trip to Florida would be much less likely, he said. Similarly, free music might draw all kinds of people, but 'it doesn't mean that these people would buy CD's at $18,' he said." i bet a very similar effect occurs with software. truly a testament to the power of naming (piracy vs copying) and PR in shaping opinions and attitudes.