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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2006-10 > 1161464089


From: "Eric Olson" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Future of Genealogical DNA Testing
Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2006 13:54:51 -0700


Marilyn,

Probably the most permanent medium is a CD? Magnetic tape degrades after a
while. Paper is subject to fire and flood, as witness the recent flooding
of the NARA sub-basement. And not the first time! One would think they
would learn better ...

But happily DNA is the master record keeper.....

Eric




> [Original Message]
> From: <>
> To: <>; <>
> Date: 10/20/2006 8:25:32 PM
> Subject: Re: [DNA] Future of Genealogical DNA Testing
>
> The sad fact is that nothing is permanent. Technology keeps changing on
> us and whatever has been recorded electronically needs to be continually
> updated or it will eventually become inaccessible. (Remember IBM cards?)
> Paper records and the buildings that housed them have been vaporized in
> war, destroyed by fire or flood. etc.
>
> So we keep on keeping on. Probably the best hedge against complete loss
> of your information is to spread it aroundrecord it in various forms, and
> give it to lots of people and organizations.
>
> Marilyn
>
> > Anne,
> >
> > Yes, and thank youI I believe you are right on to the real thing! High
> > resolution testing and all that - for the future. (If it ain't
happening
> > now)...
> >
> > Do the DNA testing now, for yourself and your living family first, but
> > then also preserve it for your future generations. Just imagine how it
> > would be now if DNA testing projects existed in 1776. (Just imagine how
> > it would be now if more complete paper records were made 300 years ago
and
> > digitally preserved.) I'm now wondering just how "permanent" these
> > digital data bases, such as YSearch and SMGF really are? Will they
still
> > exist in 2050? Or are they simply flashes in the pan?
> >
> > The folks in Utah have the preservation facilities in place I guess,
and a
> > history of preserving genealogical data.. So I am not worried about
SMGF.
> > But what about a commercial enterprise like FTDNA?? And the others....
> >
> > Eric
> >


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