Quote:
Originally Posted by Cinisajoy
Then why didn't you just say that?
Do I think the files as I know them right now will be around in 30 years? Maybe, maybe not.
Do I think the contents of the files will be around in 30 years, probably.
I am pretty sure I have 2 or 3 different formats of digital ebooks just from first bought to now.
The thing is, it is much easier to change a digital format than to keep an analog copy in mint condition. I have a 105 year old book that looks way better than some done in the last few years.
If Amazon doesn't crash and burn, I am pretty sure I will still have access to my ebooks. If not, I should have backed them up.
Same idea with music or photos, do you think you will still have your digital photos to show your grandkids?
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If you want your library whether physical or ebook to survive decades you need to properly maintain it. I've a number of ebooks that I bought because my twenty year old paperback versions were literally falling to pieces; paper books designed to last decades cost more money then I had to spend and still shouldn't be treated carelessly if you want them to last. I've lost a small number of ebooks because of DRM and have had to restore my calibre library from backup; ebooks need their DRM removed, backups made and occasional format shifting in order to be readable for decades.
I still occasionally buy ebooks that I've not been able to deDRM but either the reading platform has to offer enough value to make up for the lack of security or the book has to be of limited lifespan (such as picture books for my six year old emerging reader - I fully expect that no one in the household will want to read them two years from now). Still I rarely buy such books if they are not on sale.