The social organization of audio piracy on the Internet

Abstract

In this article we describe and analyze the emerging audio piracy (MP3) subculture on the Internet. We present the first sociological analysis of this system - a `virtual community' that is revolutionizing the production of popular music. We seek to explain not only the internal social structure of the MP3 community, but also strive to understand how the entire global network of musical distribution and production may be affected by its activity. Particular attention is paid to the role structure that operates within the audio piracy subculture, issues of status and power, the division of labor, as well as questions of social conflict and resolution. The conclusion offers some speculations concerning the impact of MP3 technology on the trajectory of popular music.