Quote:
Originally Posted by ApK
Assuming we're talking about only keeping one legitimate copy per sale in existence at one time, if there were no new purchases, there would be no used ones to resell, so it would not destroy the market, it would change it.
The marketing that might overcome it might be, for example, value added content or services--precisely the same factors that keep people buying new physical good from various retailers even though the price for the exact same thing might be less elsewhere.
There is also the possibility that more people would be inclined to purchase more new content if they knew they could recoup some of their cost later if they don't want to keep their copy.
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Indeed, there are lots of opportunities where 2nd hand digital goods are available. For used videogames, for example, many studios add additional services to the single player experience (multiplayer, free unlocks, etc.) to keep people from selling and to devalue used copies.
Saying that this would "kill" or "destroy" the market is hyperbole. It would definitely make things more difficult for those who want to rest on their laurels and continue to do what they've always done, but it would also create opportunities for new and interesting business models.
Like you said, the widespread availability of used goods would depend on sales of new goods, sales which would be driven up by the ability to resell. Further, it is unlikely that the cost of a used good would be that much discounted given the lack of degradation, giving people even less incentive to buy used. And there are many examples of artists making money on "pay what you want" schemes, so people will alter their behaviour to support an artist they like if they're given a reason to do so.
It's all academic in the U.S. of course, but I really don't think used digital goods would be some kind of disaster.