> [mailto:CONLANG@listserv.brown.edu] On Behalf Of Rick Harrison
> Dana, imagine this scenario. You get an email from a woman who says her
> father had once worked on a conlang similar to Sasasek but different in some
> interesting ways. Unfortunately he died before he could publish anything,
> but she is willing to send you his computer files. You provide her your
> snailmail address and eagerly await the package.
>
> When you open the box, you find punch-cards and 8-inch floppies.
I find some guy that collects antique computers and get him to read them. If
they aren't readable, then no big deal. Yes, it would be interesting to see the
materials but I wouldn't cry over it.
> If the guy had kept his notes on paper, you'd be able to read them. But
> because he used the computer technology of the day, it will be difficult. If
> the floppies were stored in a warm humid attic or garage, you probably won't
> get any data off of them, even if you can find the needed apparatus.
Paper degrades too and yes a faded piece of paper still can somewhat be pieces
together by humans. I suppose if we really want longevity, we could carve
everything into stone tablets. In 1000 years some archeologist will have fun
trying to figure out what it means.