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

[Mwcpc6@xxxxxxx]

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