Optical media longevity- your thoughts & beyond.

[pfh]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but this article's statements got me worried. http://msn.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,124312,00.asp?GT1=7645

The author's statements regarding 2-3 year life spans for optical discs are disconcerning to say the least. At this point I feel like I've wasted a whole lot of time putting my transfers onto disc since my preservation scheme is intended for future generations. As far as my photos are concerned, I feel I'm better off printing as much as I can. Paper photos would seem to have a longer life span but are a storage beast. Videos are most likely destined for another type of transfer. At this point I feel inclined to establish a backup scheme involving external hard drives that can be put away and hope they are still usable 25-50 years from now! Hopefully my children can archive to media that's not doomed for failure. Ah yes, the digital future- unknown, untested and no promises. But hey, the written word was/is also unknown but has prevailed a long time now hasn't it?

Sorry if this seems to be a redundant hashed over boring subject but like I said, my intentions had me thinking disc life wouldn't be a concern until 20 years from now. Not 2!! In 20 years I figured my children would have the ability to extend the life span of archived material onto something else. If the present media degrades to uselessness then...........hmmmm.

Just wondered what some of your expert opinions are.

[lordsmurf]

Already posted:
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=289714

That article was crap. IBM writer spouting IBM propaganda. That article lacked both facts and experience. Just random opinions meant to push IBM products. Don't fall for the boogeyman. Buy good discs, store them properly, and they'll last decades.

[pfh]

Sorry guys. I got distracted by a co-worker and got rushed to post. Should have looked around more.
Thanks Lordsurf, that at least makes me feel better for now.