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I'd like to propose an archival
practice.
The weakest spot regarding the longevity of
recordable CDs is the lacquer surface. Fissures allow oxidization of the
reflective surface.
Reinforced lacquer surfaces have become
available. This reduces the surface vulnerability somewhat.
Gold does not oxidize. All other products
used to reflect the laser light will oxidize.
Recordable CDs are available with gold reflective
surfaces and hardened lacquer surfaces.
It seems to me that a gold reflective surface
should be the accepted practice for any CD-R made for preservation
purposes.
Lacquer reinforcement of the top surface is an
added protection. Gold, however, should be considered
essential.
Labeling of CDs should be clear when indicating if
gold has been used or merely gold coloring added to another reflective
product. I saw some of the latter in a computer store
recently.
Steve Smolian
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