Re: [ARSCLIST] The state of cassette tape

["Steven C. Barr" <stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "andy kolovos" <akolovos@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> I realize that there is no direct connection between the developing
> Quantegy story and the state of 1/8" cassette tape, but it does get me
> thinking--what is the state of the manufacturing and the longer term
> prospects of cassette tape in the world today?
>
> We deal with a lot of "oral history" materials and give advice to a lot
> of people interested in "oral history."  Many people out there who come
> to us for advice are befuddled and intimidated by digital recording
> technology.  As a result, I tend to give them a few options in cassette
> recorders.
>
> When I'm asked, I generally tell people that I figure one should able to
> obtain decent quality cassette tape for "Uh, at least the next--uh,
> perhaps--five years.  Maybe.  Maybe longer even."
>
> As for where that number comes from, I pretty much make it up.
>
> I certainly feel like I'll be able to easily obtain cassettes after I
> have to scrounge around to find 74 minute CD-Rs, and looooong after I'll
> have to rely on Ebay to get MiniDiscs, but still...
>
Two things come to mind...

1) There will probably be unsold cassettes kicking around in stores until
somebody decides to either waste-can them or sell them off cheap!

2) As well, there will probably always be quantities of used-once
cassettes that can be re-used (listen first to see if the content
has any interest or value!)...

Steven C. Barr