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Digital Media Ownership Survey

Hi! Thank you for your interest in participating in this survey. 
Purpose of this survey: I am trying to understand how people manage and interact with their digital media collections (ebooks, audiobooks, and music), particularly regarding issues like platform lock-in, ownership, and privacy.
This survey will help me learn about your experiences and any challenges you’ve encountered. Your feedback will guide the development of more empowering, solutions for managing personal digital collections.
I'm specifically interested in media you "own" outright through individual purchases or downloads (e.g., ebooks on Kobo, audiobooks on Audible, or items from in DRM-free services like Libro.fm). This does not include media from streaming subscription services, like Spotify or Netflix.

Don't be shy about oversharing, the more info the better! Thank you for sharing your insights!

Data management: Please note that all responses will remain anonymous and will be used solely for the purpose of this project. If you are interested in continued participation or receiving updates, you are welcome to provide your contact details at the end of the survey.
PS: SurveyCircle users receive points for their participation, which can be used to recruit free survey participants at SurveyCircle.com
By checking this box, I consent to participate in this survey, understanding that all responses will remain anonymous. I also acknowledge that I may provide my contact details if I am interested in continued participation or receiving updates about the project.

Untitled checkboxes field

1. What is your age range?

2. What type(s) of operating system(s) do you use most often? (Select all that apply)

2. What type(s) of operating system(s) do you use most often? (Select all that apply)

3. What types of digital media do you "own" through purchase/download? (Select all that apply)

3. What types of digital media do you "own" through purchase/download? (Select all that apply)

4. How important is it to you to own your digital media (rather than just having access to media through subscriptions)?

5. Where do you typically purchase/download your digital media? (List all that come to mind)

6. If you have similar types of content, like ebooks, on multiple platforms, how does that affect the way you engage with the content? (e.g., accessing certain content less often, feelings of frustration, no effects)

7. What are your biggest frustrations/concerns when it comes to the platforms you use for your digital media experience? (Select all that apply)

7. What are your biggest frustrations/concerns when it comes to the platforms you use for your digital media experience? (Select all that apply)

8. Have you ever tried to switch platforms for any of your digital media collections (e.g., moving music from iTunes to another service, or books from Kindle to another e-reader)?

If yes, please describe the reason for switching and how easy or difficult it was to move your media.

If yes, what alternatives did you try?

9. Where do you currently store your digital media? (Select all that apply)

9. Where do you currently store your digital media? (Select all that apply)

10. Have you ever lost access to your purchased digital media due to a platform shutting down, changing terms, removing content, or country restrictions?

If yes, please explain the situation and how it impacted your access to your media.

11. Would you be willing to pay a one-time fee for a tool that helps you manage and organize all your digital media in one place?

12. How concerned are you about privacy when using digital media services (e.g., companies can see what you are consuming and how often)?

13. How likely are you to use a product that combines multiple media types (books, audiobooks, music, and videos) in one platform with full ownership and no ads?

14. Would you prefer a solution that is entirely offline (no streaming) or one that offers both local storage and streaming capabilities?

15. Any additional comments, stories, or suggestions about your digital media experience?

Please share any thoughts, ideas, or pain points you think might be relevant to this research.

Optional: If you're open to being involved in the next steps of this project, I'd love to keep in touch.

Your contact details will never be shared, and you can request to have your data removed at any time.