Study finds that Megaupload's shutdown in 2012 only benefited films with a wide release, whilst the majority of films were negatively affected as the piracy site increased exposure of smaller films

Piracy is not anomaly but a normal process in of digital media evolution. One can't "fight" evolution. It's like fighting wind or clouds: dumb and counterproductive. All the shilling from studios comes from inability to adapt to the changing world. Just read the actual research on it and be done with endless buts.

General highlights:
* It can't be efficiently decreased using banning measures, only with proper consumer education and dedication.
* It increases content diffusion and consumption, including paying one.
* It provides free feedback on product's real demand.
* It allows future paying customers to sample the full product before buying.
* It naturally decreases as economic situation in a country gets better.

By placing heavy competition pressure on a competition-less digital market it also:
* Makes product cheaper and more accessible for paying customers.
* Promotes quality and quantity growth of legal distribution channels.

/r/movies Thread Parent Link - sciencedirect.com