Arfon Gryffydd <arfonrg_at_texas.net> wrote:
> Dilemma:
> Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air trapped
> in it's plastic bags or let it be, and keep it's un-opened pristine
> state??? A virgin. Un-touched by end-user hands.
Consider: will the packaging degrade over time in a way that affects
the artifact? Shipping cartons aren't really intended for long-term
storage, they're intended to protect the contents during shipment
which hopefully won't take 20 years. Styrofoam and plastics can melt
if they get too hot (i.e. styrofoam peanuts and plastic bubble wrap
tend to have lower melting points than do computer cases and cords,
and those temperatures can easily be reached in shelters that are
exposed to sunlight like outdoor sheds), and rubbers and glues can dry
out and/or turn gooey over time.
-Frank McConnell
Received on Mon Sep 13 1999 - 19:18:12 BST