19-06-2011, 08:04 AM
John Kelin Wrote:I think the question of an archive, existing or otherwise, is actually beside the point. (I'm the one who brought up "archive," but let's let that go.)
The actual digitizing is the important thing. This is not to be construed as me volunteering, because I'm not. But the actual digitizing, as most may know, is really quite simple. All that's required is a few bits of hardware. I've digitized a bunch of JFK stuff in recent years. It's as easy as connecting a tape player into a computer. In my case, it goes into Garageband on my Mac. Thence to iTunes, thence to disk. But it's time consuming, since it must be done in real time, and I take it there are many, many hours worth of the program.
Once digitized, the disk, flash drive, or whatever, could be stored in a shoebox next to all the original air check cassettes. Or duplicated and distributed to whatever archive.
The watchword is preservation.
Charles Drago Wrote:John and Ed,
The tapes are securely held.
And yes, they should be digitized. The problem is: by whom?
To be blunt, I can't think of an existing JFK archive to which I'd entrust them.
John and Charles, great points. John, maybe you should record some simple specifics on the "how-to"s in case... and, Charles, I think the point about the security of the process (place, organization, etc.) is well-taken. Perhaps, with the help of some selected other folks within the tight inner circle of DPF, it should be made a semi-formal project to find the financial and legal means, the place, the people, etc. I would add, if it wasn't stated or implicit, the creation of digitized textual versions as well.
"Where is the intersection between the world's deep hunger and your deep gladness?"