Some observers have questioned whether Internet users are willing to pay for online content and many media sectors are struggling with the disruption that digital networks have created for their businesses,’ states the report, authored by Jim Jansen. ‘The issue of people’s willingness to pay for online material has enormous implications for media companies, artistic creators and others who are hoping to sustain themselves – or grow new businesses – by raising revenues through online purchases.’

When Internet users were asked whether they had ever ‘paid to access or to download any of the following types of online content,’ 33 said yes regarding digital music; 33 percent had paid for software; 21 percent paid for applications for their mobile phone or tablet; 19 percent had paid for games; 18 percent paid for online newspapers, magazines, articles or reports; 15 percent paid for videos, movies or shows; 12 paid for digital photos and 11 percent paid for members-only, premium content from a Web that also offers material for free (also known as a ‘freemium’business model).

Other content that 10 percent or fewer of those surveyed said they’d paid for included e-books, podcasts, tools or materials for video or computer games, ‘cheats or codes’ […]