I've been thinking a lot about how our digital information might not last into the future. I came across an article that highlighted how analog information, like journals and photo albums, can be much easier to access than digital data. For instance, some engineers at big tech companies had a tough time retrieving project data from the early 2000s while trying to conduct a survey in 2021. Meanwhile, journals from the early 20th century can still be found easily. This got me worried about my own digital journals and photos from trips—what if they get lost in the flow of digital noise over the years? I want to be able to share meaningful memories with my grandkids someday. So, I'm hoping to find safe and reliable methods for preserving my information long-term. Does anyone have suggestions on how to keep our memories safe and accessible decades from now?
4 Answers
One of the best benefits of digital storage is that you can create perfect duplicates easily. Make tons of copies of your important files and spread them across different secure locations. If you check and replace any deteriorating copies every decade or so, you’re set! It’s a lot more straightforward than trying to keep print media intact for generations, which can become irreplaceable as they degrade.
You might want to consider creating a family trove website! You can get it crawled by archive.org, which helps preserve web pages. And yes, technologies are always changing. If you don't need to access the data often, tape storage could be a solid option. Also, some people are researching molecular storage using DNA. It's a fascinating field! But honestly, if it’s crucial, you might want to stick with paper—it can outlive any digital technology under the right conditions.
Have you thought about using DVD-RAM disks? They’re specifically designed for long-term storage and can last for about 30 years. They’re a bit pricey, though, so I’d recommend using them for the most important files. Just remember to make at least two copies and store them in different places! Also, there's this interesting idea about encoding data onto paper—if properly stored, it could last for centuries!
You bring up a great point! While some physical archives are accessible, they aren't always easy to reach. One thing you can do is print your trip journals. Add a cover page and use a binder so you can take things apart easily if you ever want to scan them back into digital format. For photos, only include the most special ones—no need to keep every flower pic! Store these printed journals in a waterproof, fireproof safe along with a USB stick that has all your digital files stored safely. That way, you have both formats safeguarded.
But what happens when DVD drives become obsolete? Just like floppy and Zip drives, they might disappear too!