#CDROMs and books compard
In a proposal to one of my clients, I compiled a table comparing the
merits of CDROM publications with conventional books.
He liked it, but came back with: "You've forgotten an important attribute of
books. Will a library of antique CDROMs ever have that appealing,
dusty-musty fragrance you find on the back shelves of second-hand book
shops?"
Well, no, maybe not. But it raises a question: What are the archival
qualities of CDROMs? Will a CDROM pressed today still be readable in 50
years' time? What IS the life expectancy of a CDROM? If we want to make one
that will last forever, is there a process available to do it?
Blair