Re: [ARSCLIST] Fwd: How Long Do You Want Digital Storage Media to Last?

[Jim Baldwin <jimbo@xxxxxxxx>]

I was recently called upon to make a CD transfer from a 50-year-old open
reel tape
of a Bar Mitzvah celebration of twin boys. It was an odd-looking tape having
what
appeared to be a paper backing. Unfortunately, I didn't make note of the
brand. But
the transfer went well and the tape was in excellent shape. The owner was
delighted
to hear the voices of a half century earlier.

Jim Baldwin
================================================================

----- Original Message -----
From: <Mwcpc6@xxxxxxx>
To: <ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2005 9:45 AM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Fwd: How Long Do You Want Digital Storage Media to
Last?


> In a message dated 4/1/2005 7:59:55 AM Eastern Standard Time, joba@xxxxxxx
> writes:
> Should optical discs last forever?
> Would you like your digital-storage media to last 20 years, 25 years, 30
> years, 35 years or 40 years?
>
> ************
>
> I don't see the point of establishing a "self destruct" time for storage
> media.  Personally, I'd like everything to last forever.
>
> Of course we get buried in our own debris of everything is saved forever.
> There is nothing wrong with making temporary records. One could have a lot
of fun
> using ten cent acetate coated pieces of cardboard or rust coated acetate
> strips to record choice comments at a bachelor party or wedding reception
with the
> intent to throw them away right afterward. However the possibility that
these
> could survive long term storage means that fifty years later they may
become
> some of one's most precious possessions. If it is decided to accept media
with
> built in degradation mechanisms, such things can never happen again.
>
> The goal should be to identify the processes that cause the deterioration
of
> media and reduce them as much as possible, even where economics is a
factor.
> The roll of standards organizations and institutions should be to
establish
> testing and labeling requirements to encourage the production of the best
quality
> materials possible.
>
> Mike Csontos
>
> Mike Csontos
>
>