Research
What are words worth? - January 2007
In 2006 ALCS commissioned some research into authors' earnings in the UK and Germany as a comparitor. The research was carried out by Dr Martin Kretchmer of Bournemouth University and was published and launched at ALCS' debate on copyright (Fair Trade or Foul Play?) in early 2007.
The research has since been widely cited and shows some interesting facts about the state of authors' earnings especially in the current economic climate.
- The top 10% of authors earn more than 50% of total income. In other equally skilled professions the bottom 50% of workers earn nearly 40% of total income.
- A typical professional authors' income is 33% less than the national average wage
Consumer attitudes to digital downloads - January 2008
In January 2008 ALCS commissioned Tickbox to undertake some independent research into consumer attitudes to digital downloads. The results can be downloaded in pdf format below.