The rise of MP3: Exploratory study and research agenda

Abstract

The Internet/World Wide Web (Web) is an important way for the sharing and selling of products and services, including music, in crescent virtual communities. The MP3 standard is the world’s most popular file format and allows many on-line individuals to access to music which they would otherwise be denied. Although electronic commerce (e-commerce) has received considerable research attention, the literature reveals that the relationship between the music industry and the consumers trough the Internet has not yet been sufficiently studied. This research contributes to a better understanding of the use of MP3 files as legal products and also as digital piracy. This paper considers the nowadays and the future use of MP3 and attempts to provide a research agenda.