Chris Thompson   Chris Thompson on the internet

There is a general impression, when it comes to illegally downloaded music, that it hurts the music industry. But according to the Independent, there has been a study undertaken that shows that the people who download music illegally, and admit to doing so, are also the ones who spend the most on music.

Why? Perhaps the music that is downloaded convinces them buy the album… perhaps the internet allows them to hear and download music that they wouldn’t have otherwise listened to, that they can they go out and buy. Perhaps it’s just the fact that the people who download music illegally are also the biggest music fans. But regardless, it follows that banning them from the internet, and cracking down on them, and doing everything it’s possible to do in order to stop them downloading music will actually have a negative effect on the music business – quite the opposite to what these people would like to achieve.

I must admit, although it’s not something I would just think about out of the blue, I’m not overly surprised that this is the case. But I also don’t think it will change their approach: their hammer blow will reign down on illegal downloaders, whatever the consequences.

I just thought it was an interesting story to start the weekend with. And hopefully it should be a pretty fantastic one – it’s certainly set up to be. Why? One reason: NFL playoffs. Even though the games get shown pretty late over here, they’re no less of an event: we’ve got in the beer, and the crisps, and all manner of junk food to sit down and just enjoy the occasion.

Both games tonight should be interesting ones… and both are rematches of games from last week: the Bengals against the Jets, and the Cowboys against the Eagles. Somehow, I don’t think the result for either game will be like what we saw last time the sides met, either.