Re: [AV Media Matters] CD labels and inks

[smolians@erols.com]

I have received verbal reports, from test work not yet pubished, which
regards the entire stick-on label process as exceedingly detrimental to the
survival of a CD-R over the long term.  Others on this list are in a much
better position than I to furnish storong evidence to this effect.  Step
forward, you guys.

Steve Smolian

-----Original Message-----
From: Graeme Jaye <gjaye@retemail.es>
To: AV-Media-Matters@topica.com <AV-Media-Matters@topica.com>
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2000 2:01 PM
Subject: Re: [AV Media Matters] CD labels and inks

>At 05:29 24/02/00 -0800, you wrote:
>>
>>I would like to ask the question: is there any "safe" way of labelling CDs?
>> Either by sticking labels (what type of glue?) or by writing on them (what
>>type of ink?)
>
>Personally, I would recommend that you go for a label rather than just
>writing on the disc with a pen (even one of the 'correct' type).  The label
>will also provide a degree of protection to the most easily (and
>permanently!!) damaged side of the disc, whereas a pen provides nothing
>other than identification.  There is not a lot between your valuable data
>and the outside world on the top of a recordable CD.
>
>There are plenty of companies who supply CD labelling systems and
>materials.  I would avoid using labels from an 'unknown' source - the glue
>does have to be of the correct type (and no, I don't know what that is).  I
>would have thought that anything coming from a major company would be
>acceptable though, as they have a reputation to protect and it would not
>last long if they produced labels that destroyed their customers discs.  At
>all events, use a label which is *designed* for the job, not just any old
>sticky label that happens to be the right size.
>
>If you want a personal recommendation, we have been using labels marketed
>by a company called Neato for several years now and have never had a
>problem which could be attributed to them.
>
>As a side issue, considering the minimal cost of the discs and the value of
>the data, do you not think that a backup of the backup would be a good
>idea.  You should also keep the two backups in separate and different
>locations - it's not a lot of good if the computer and its backups are all
>in the same building when it catches fire!

>Graeme Jaye
>gjaye@retemail.es
>
>Personal-CD - Affordable Audio Restoration
>
>http://www.personal-cd.com