I’m not sure I completely understand the negativity of this eMarketer article, which quotes a study that seems to be saying the number of people buying music is growing, but the “problem” is they’re spending less money because of online downloads, mp3 services, piracy, internet radio, generally crappy music, etc.

The 30% drop in compact disc sales from 2000 to 2005 was too steep to be offset by digital sales. The 16% drop in CD sales from 2005 to 2006 was partially offset by digital download sales growth.

The net effect is still a falling average price per music purchase, decreasing overall music revenues.

eMarketer interpolated the Bridge data with US Census Bureau population estimates dating back to 1980. While the total number of US music consumers has more than doubled to 96 million in 2006 from 45 million in 1980, annual per capita music expenditures have dropped drastically to $120 in 2006, from $198 in 1980.

“In other words,” Mr. Verna said, “a lot more people may be buying music these days, but they’re spending a whole lot less, on average, than they did at any point in the recent or more distant past.”

Unless I’m totally missing the point here, I like to think in a better world more music more readily available and cost effective to more people would be seen as a positive.

Spread the word!