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 s9809972@sms.ed.ac.uk. 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