We know what the RIAA thinks about suing individual file-sharers, but what about the musicians and songwriters they supposedly represent?

Well, Pew Internet has finally conducted a survey of 2,700+ musicians/songwriters on their attitudes toward file sharing and the results are rather revealing.

1) 60% of artists do not believe the RIAA lawsuits will help them.
2) Artists are deeply divided on whether P2P is affecting music sales for good or for bad.

The issue of effect on the market for CD sales was particularly interesting. 35% said P2P was good for artists because it promoted sales; 23% said P2P was bad for artists because people could get music without permission or payment; and the other 35% agreed with both positions. This reinforces the notion that's been passed around lately of there being mixed effects with P2P. Some people buy more; some buy less. It's not a clear-cut effect.

When looking at whether P2P has affected their careers, the artists' responses get even more interesting. 37% say it has not made a difference; 35% say it has helped; 8% say it has both hurt and helped; and 15% say they don't know. In other words, 72% of artists think P2P has either a neutral or beneficial effect on their careers. Who says it can't Promote The Useful Arts and Sciences?