What impact has the internet had on music sales for artists?

http://www.futureofmusic.org/artists-musicians-and-internet-preliminary-data-memo

Basically, here's a few key quotes from this article on whether the internet giving access to illegal file sharing helps or hinders artists in the music industry:

1
"2,755 musicians and songwriters responded to a Web-based survey about the way they use the Internet and their views on a host of public policy questions related to copyright and music file-sharing on the Internet"

2
"83% have provided free samples of their work online and significant numbers say free downloading has helped them sell CDs and increase the crowds at concerts"
3
"Many musicians and songwriters do not think the RIAA campaign against free file sharing on the Internet will benefit them"
4
"67% say artists should have complete control over material they copyright and they say copyright laws do a good job of protecting artists"
Posted By Jake Clarke