In my project, most records generated will be digitally
logged. They will come in the form of recordings and electronic transcripts detailing
the amount of harassment experienced by female gamers, as well as data on skill level which
will be pulled from existing online public records on both the harasser and the
harassed. If I were looking to preserve my findings, then I feel that the best
method to do so would be to create a pen-and-paper copy of all the observations
made during the research process. Preserving my results digitally will be
trickier, as it is probably safe to assume that in the future, any particular
means of data storage we employ now will be completely outdated (just look at
floppy disks!).
But of course, it wouldn’t hurt to try.
Storing my data on a cloud, as well as on a USB drive will
probably be a safe bet in preserving at least one record of my findings past
ten years. Additionally, any recordings made should be deleted after being
checked over (to verify the harassment), as players are not
aware that they are being recorded for research purposes (and therefore have
not given consent for their matches and conversations to be stored and possibly
used for purposes outside of research). Furthermore, the appropriate steps to eliminate all traces of the recordings from hard drives will be taken. Plenty of care will also go into making sure players remain anonymous after both harassment and skill level have been assessed and recorded.
I also agree that storing data on a cloud will likely keep data safe for years to come. Even if ways of storing data digitally does changes, it is likely that there will always be ways to convert an old file to new saved file systems. For example, there is technology that can convert VHS to DVD. This is important for many people, including families, who want to ensure their old recorded family home videos are safely stored and playable on up-to-date technology.
ReplyDeleteCall me old school, but there's a small part of me that honestly distrusts digital storage (I know, I need to get with the times). I think it must have something to do with tangibility. With a USB, at least I can hold something and I know that's where data is stored. Storing data on a cloud feels like it's literally floating in space somewhere, and I feel like it could disappear at any given moment. With that being said, I know it's the way of the future. It's almost shocking to think that everything we feel is technologically advanced today will become obsolete one day, just like floppy disks.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way! I always worry that maybe something will happen online where a storage site will somehow stop existing. At least with the USB I know that I can open the information on my computer again if I need it.
Delete