Hi there,

I am conducting a research project studying file sharing communities on the internet as part of my Honours degree in Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. As part of this I have prepared a small questionnaire which I hoped you might be able to spare a few minutes to complete. All information gathered will be kept in the strictest confidence, and I would be more than happy to share my final report with any participants who might be interested.

I have included the questionnaire in the body of this message, and you can either complete it by replying to his thread, or else send me your response by email at [email protected]. Feel free to email me with any queries you might have regarding this research.

Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated, many thanks.

Yours Sincerely,

Craig Dickson
University of Edinburgh




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Q1. Age:


Q2. Gender:  Male /  Female


Q3. Do you use file sharing programs (such as Kazaa, BitTorrent, eMule) to download and share electronic media (music, videos, programs etc)?
 Yes /  No


Q4. How frequently do you use such services?
 Leave computer always connected
 Daily
 Once or twice per week
 Once or twice per month
 Only when I want a specific file / files


Q5. Do you mainly share; (select as many as apply)
 Programs / Applications
 Music
 Video
 Other (Please Specify)


Q6. Do you encode files to share, or only share what you download?
 Encode files to share
 Only share what has been downloaded


Q7. Do you use ‘chat’ functions or forums and message boards to communicate with other users?
 Yes /  No


Q8. Do you have any personal relations with others on these networks, such as regular sharing contacts or online friends?
 Yes /  No



Q9. Which of these statements do you feel comes closest to your own view of your relations with others on these file sharing networks?

 I have no relations with others, I use the networks purely for access to media

 I have occasional interactions with others, but only for technical assistance or practical advice about files

 I have occasional interactions with others, both for practical advice and discussing shared interests and other topics

 I frequently interact with others on these networks

 I am highly involved in interactions with other users and feel I am an active participant in a file sharing community



Q10. Would lower priced ‘official’ downloads or CDs and DVDs reduce the amount you use file sharing services?
 Yes, a great deal
 Perhaps, quite a lot
 Perhaps, a little
 No, not at all