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Journal of Communication Inquiry
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33/3/206    most recent
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What's this?

More Than Just Free Content

Motivations of Peer-to-Peer File Sharers

Mark Cenite

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Michelle Wanzheng Wang

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Chong Peiwen

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Germaine Shimin Chan

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

This study explores file sharers' reported motivations for downloading and uploading content on peer-to-peer networks, including ethical obligations guiding file sharing. Drawing on Lessig's classification of purposes of file sharing and Giesler's theoretical framework of gifting systems, 40 in-depth interviews were conducted with file sharers in Singapore using a standard protocol, then transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Downloading is perceived as an alternative through which users satisfy desires that existing markets do not meet. Respondents reported downloading to avoid long waits for content to arrive in Singapore; to access difficult-to-find and censored content; to sample content, including content outside their usual tastes; and because downloading is convenient and free. Respondents reported a norm of reciprocity and sense of community that motivated them to upload and an obligation to purchase content they liked. Implications for understanding and combating file sharing during the inevitable transition to other business models are discussed.

Key Words: copyright • file sharing • peer to peer

This version was published on July 1, 2009

Journal of Communication Inquiry, Vol. 33, No. 3, 206-221 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0196859909333697
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