Archivism
The End caused widespread destruction to almost all physical and digital records. As a result, the history of humanity is on the brink of being lost forever. Archivism1) – a lofty name for a passion project – seeks to salvage this, preserving whatever can be found for whatever comes next.
“Who will remember your mother's face when you're gone?
This civilisation is over. But we will remain, so long as our impression upon this world persists.
We are lucky, in a way, to be given this opportunity. The End has made us the chroniclers of humanity. Who are we to deny that duty?”
– In conversation with Raul Shen, the Archivist (2104)
Methodology
Items:
- 2 nails (+ more rusty)
- 1 book (to Archive)
- 1 lightbulb
- 1 newspaper
Progress:
- Book can be for emergency paper if stores run out. To be examined for any useful data.
- Lightbulb for Eddy. See if he can work some magic with it.
- Newspaper too rough for use. Some words legible, to be examined.
– Excavation Log #101, by Raul Shen (2104)
There are lots of ways to store your data, and lots of factors which go into which is the right choice for you! One is lifetime – how long does the medium last before it breaks down and has to be replaced? The average lifetimes for some common storage methods are listed below:
| Medium | Lifetime | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HDD | 3-5 years (less without power) | No way to access data |
| SSD | 5-10 years (less without power) | No way to access data |
| CD | 20-100 years | No way to access data |
| Paper | 25-100 years | Running out |
| Microfiche/film | 100-500 years | No way to access data |
| Archival CDs | 1000 years | No way to access data |
– Excerpt from www.toptechtips.org/top-ten-ways-to-not-lose-your-data (printed 2098), with notes by Raul Shen (2102)
The Archive
Poem: Fragment 11 (copy)
Art: 'The Stranger' (info)
Book: Amicos(?) (old)
Paper: Languages of the World lost
Object: Ruler(?)
Newspaper (partial)
…
1)
Previously “Mediation”, a name seldom heard. It followed its own rules to the grave.