Authors: Francisco Alcalá and Miguel González-Maestre

Title: Copying, superstars, and artistic creation

Source: Information Economics and Policy

Abstract: We provide a new perspective on the impact of unauthorized copying and copy levies on artistic creation. Our analysis emphasizes three aspects of artistic markets: the predominance of superstars, the important role of promotion expenditures, and the difficulties of talent-sorting. In the short run, piracy reduces superstars' earnings and market share and increases the number of niche and young artists. In the long run, copying can also have a positive effect on high-quality artistic creation by helping more young artists start their careers, which increases the number of highly talented artists in subsequent periods. The long-term impact of levies on copy equipment on artistic creation depends on whether their yields primarily accrue to superstars who already receive rents or are allocated to help young artists.


Recommended citation:
Alcalá, F. and M. González-Maestre, 2010. "Copying, superstars, and artistic creation ", Information Economics and Policy, 22(4), pp. 365-378.


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