With a large (at least in kilograms) collection of vinyl and shellac records, I have looked into the 'what happens next (ie., what should my executor do)' issue.
The most memorable comment was in the blog of a buyer of collections. Can't find the link but paraphrased: "I will never even look at a collection that has had anyone else peruse and buy some discs. They bought your collection." As in, most 'collections' are really 'accumulations', the dealer will buy your accumulation and give you psychological cover that someone really values all of it, but keep the valuable stuff and bin the rest --- and first do an assay that there are indeed some gems in the ore.
Also, "If you recognize the performers, it's not of any value".
I see so many records at thrift shops that make me think "Crap, did I drop that off by mistake in my last move" that I have to concede that the fate of my collection will be the replacement of fossil fuels. As a classical listener and collector, I am nontheless moving to a (cynical?) assessment that a lot of those collections are "the music you were told you should enjoy".
Yep, it's heartbreaking. This thread makes me think about what the real goal should be, given that the material media is merely fuel. Maybe a short document about the things that I want to charge the beneficiaries with giving a listen to?
When I look at the IA terms-and-conditions, I do not see an outcome different from what the original article ('TFA', correct me!) was complaining about.
begin-quote>>
Items donated to the Internet Archive become the property of Internet Archive, and will be recorded as an unrestricted gift. Items are not returnable after donation. We can provide a donation receipt roughly describing the donation back that can be used for tax purposes– but we can not do an appraisal.
For materials that do not fit into our collections for any reason, they are often donated to other non-profits or worthy causes, but sometimes recycled. Rarely are materials sold.
<<<end-quote
So I see nothing in this to suggest anything more than that I can donate my collection in plastic totes, and expect the totes to be re-used.
I'm not complaining, but I am pointing out that expecting more than that isn't what's on offer. The IA and the VCF may need to be more explicit in saying that "giving us your trust means accepting our judgement".
Actually, I think the IA is explicit, just 'diplomatic'.
what is it you are trying to leave behind that could not be more portably replicated by a collection of flac files?
Personally ill be happy if my children would listen to some of the music i like and remember me. my collection will not mean anything to them, nor should it.
You are correct! Not a technology, I'd just give them a list (eg. Shostakovich Piano Cto 2), maybe in the when 'when you read this I am gone' letter, though I would like to make it happen before then, so we can talk! ... and yes, that means do some work now.
also consider (Grand)^n(children)
Ideas about how to leave a 'repertoire legacy' would merit a new thread!
The most memorable comment was in the blog of a buyer of collections. Can't find the link but paraphrased: "I will never even look at a collection that has had anyone else peruse and buy some discs. They bought your collection." As in, most 'collections' are really 'accumulations', the dealer will buy your accumulation and give you psychological cover that someone really values all of it, but keep the valuable stuff and bin the rest --- and first do an assay that there are indeed some gems in the ore.
Also, "If you recognize the performers, it's not of any value".
I see so many records at thrift shops that make me think "Crap, did I drop that off by mistake in my last move" that I have to concede that the fate of my collection will be the replacement of fossil fuels. As a classical listener and collector, I am nontheless moving to a (cynical?) assessment that a lot of those collections are "the music you were told you should enjoy".
Yep, it's heartbreaking. This thread makes me think about what the real goal should be, given that the material media is merely fuel. Maybe a short document about the things that I want to charge the beneficiaries with giving a listen to?