iwaste
http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2007/03/iwaste.html)
This article is a great example of the things that I think about as both a consumer and as an archivist. What will happen to all of this information being put on these disposable forms of technology? I have to admit I grumbled when my minidisc player became obsolete and every time a new gaming system comes I get a little sad (I have drawn the line at gamecube because it only stuck around for like a minute and I love Mario. But if Wii has a little staying power I may have to go get it). For me as a consumer, it is a battle between my desire to not be wasteful and my love of pushing newer, cooler buttons. But in my career I think about all of the microfiche machine, betamax and the 8 track players. Sure there are master tracks for things, but consider for example of music recorded from 1890 to 1964, which the National Recording Preservation Board of the Library says are "nearly inaccessible to scholars, collectors and the general public for noncommercial uses(www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0601/sound)." I'm working on my small part to keep track of disposable knowledge.
http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2007/03/iwaste.html)
This article is a great example of the things that I think about as both a consumer and as an archivist. What will happen to all of this information being put on these disposable forms of technology? I have to admit I grumbled when my minidisc player became obsolete and every time a new gaming system comes I get a little sad (I have drawn the line at gamecube because it only stuck around for like a minute and I love Mario. But if Wii has a little staying power I may have to go get it). For me as a consumer, it is a battle between my desire to not be wasteful and my love of pushing newer, cooler buttons. But in my career I think about all of the microfiche machine, betamax and the 8 track players. Sure there are master tracks for things, but consider for example of music recorded from 1890 to 1964, which the National Recording Preservation Board of the Library says are "nearly inaccessible to scholars, collectors and the general public for noncommercial uses(www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0601/sound)." I'm working on my small part to keep track of disposable knowledge.
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3 comments:
It's interesting that you posted this, because I just recently stumbled upon an article that talks about how it looks more and more like digital music stores (including iTunes) are looking to drop DRM-encrypted music entirely. Maybe this will give Apple an incentive to make iPods last longer?
And I can completely relate to the game system thing. I didn't even have a Gamecube for a year before they started talking about the new ones. Groan.
Hi -- a very interesting post! I'm also trying to eat in season as much as possible. Since we bought a house (which is thankfully NOT falling down) 3 years ago and I started gardening, I'm getting more and more 'addicted' to fresh and/or organic produce, and I now also have a strong aversion to fast/bad food. This year I joined a CSA program so that I'll be getting fresh local (organic!) food each week, which I'm really excited about (not to mention whatever I happen to get out of my own garden).
I've always wanted to visit New Mexico -- I have a friend from Albequerque who currently lives in Virginia, and she really misses her home state!
See you around Cohort 7! :)
I love the kitchen scene from your New Mexico home. It reminds me of our PA remodel last year - down to the lathe in the halls and foyer. All that plaster dust went everywhere. I spent a summer near Santa Fe, so I know how intoxicating the peppers, fresh food and the environment is there.
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