Reply-To: <jwvanbogart@nml.org>
From: "John Van Bogart" <jwvanbogart@nml.org>
To: <Marcia_Stepanek@businessweek.com>
Cc: <bwreader@mgh.com>, "'DuBois, Peg'" <pedubois@nml.org>,
        "'Sprick, Dan'" <dksprick@nml.org>,
        "'Cochrane, Katherine'" <katherine@cd-info.com>,
        "'Murray, Bill'" <wpmurray@imation.com>,
        "'Gibson, Gerry'" <ggib@loc.gov>
Subject: "From Digits to Dust" a Disappointment
Date: Fri, 1 May 1998 12:50:11 -0500
X-Priority: 3 (Normal)
Importance: Normal

May 1, 1998

Marcia,

When you took the time to contact me regarding the stability of data
recording media, I truly thought that you were interested in doing
an objective report on digital data storage.  I provided you with
up-to-the-date answers to several questions in line with this goal.

I did not give you permission to use the National Media Lab "Life
Expectancy" chart, because NML considers this information outdated.
During our interview, for example, I mentioned that more recent
testing of CD-ROM media indicates longevities of 100 years and
longer.  Unfortunately, you used this old chart, and failed to
update it with the more current information.

I stated that there is little chance of information loss using
digital media as long as one follows proper storage and handling
procedures.  I also explained that transcription is an essential
and inevitable part of digital information preservation.  Contrary
to what is stated in you article, digital files can be migrated from
older to newer media with only a tiny risk of information loss.  With
read-after-write verification, digital files can be transcribed with
absolutely NO loss of information.  As when people moved from horse
drawn transportation to "horseless carriages," they had to get used
to a novel technology.  Though originally scoffed at, few people
today would argue against the superiority of the automobile
for transportation.

You could have written an excellent, balanced article on digital
data storage.  Instead you chose to "parrot" the imprecise,
pessimistic viewpoint expressed in earlier U.S. News & World Report
and L.A. Times articles.  "From Digits to Dust" does more to shock
and confuse readers, than provide them with useful information.


Dr. John Van Bogart
Data Preservation Scientist
National Media Laboratory
Building 235-1N-17, 3M Center
St. Paul, MN   55144-1000

(612) 733-1918