David S. Ferriero, Losing Our Memory — The Museum of Obsolete Technology
“ While the quantity of information saved has increased dramatically over the centuries, the durability of media has decreased exponentially. That is to say, the clay tablets from ancient Sumeria can still be seen today, medieval manuscripts on animal parchment are perfectly readable, and paper correspondence from the Renaissance is still in good condition. ”
David S. Ferriero, Losing Our Memory — The Museum of Obsolete Technology
“ There are a quarter million optical discs—the cutting edge technology of the 1980s—that depend on software and hardware no longer on the market. All of these technologies are less than a century old, and yet, the materials may be gone. ”
David S. Ferriero, Losing Our Memory — The Museum of Obsolete Technology
“ Black-and-white photographs may last a couple of centuries, while most color photographs become unstable within thirty or forty years. Videotapes deteriorate much more quickly than does traditional movie film. ”
