I've given a lot of thought to long term preservation of my genealogy files [recorded with Legacy, in order to keep this On Topic] given the rapid obsolescence of digital media. What if I store my files on the currently most advanced medium and I place it in a secure place, e.g. a bank safe deposit box, and tomorrow I get obliterated by a Hellfire missile? My heirs, not otherwise knowing what to do with the contents of my safe deposit box, store everything in a trunk in the attic. Fifty years from now, an as yet unborn descendant discovers these strange, shiny discs and thinking they make wonderful conversation pieces, uses them for drink coasters for his guests. I think the only way to ensure that your files are readable in the distant future is to print them on old fashioned paper even if they are at risk from fire, flood or tornado. As to the question of what to do with your files if your immediate relatives haven't yet been infected by the genie bug, you could always donate them to your local genealogical society or one in an area where your ancestors lived. They may be useful to someone researching in those areas. And keep in mind that your grandchildren who now roll their eyes at any mention of "our Hepplefinger line from Transylvania," may someday be saying, "I wish I'd asked Grandpa that when he was alive; he knew all about our ancestors." For now I've tried to identify any younger relatives in my major lines who have expressed any interest in genealogy--my son-in-law, my wife's nephew, my cousin's granddaughter, etc.--and intend to provide them with my files of their respective branches. Having said all that, to date I have neither printed everything on paper or distributed files to the younger relatives. Plenty of time for that. I may live forever if that missile misfires.
John S. AdamsHermosa Beach, CA Legacy User Group guidelines: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp Archived messages after Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Archived messages from old mail server - before Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp Follow Legacy on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LegacyFamilyTree) and on our blog (http://news.LegacyFamilyTree.com). To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp
