This seems like a situation where it would be easy to blame the technology.  But, my guess is that it is most likely a problem of not understanding the technology and how to properly use it.  Many of the recorders' offices around here have much more technology than they understand.  They rely too much on third-party companies that provide it and sometimes, I think they have much more confidence in it than is warranted.

Nevertheless, we didn't have these problems with the books.  If a book was somehow lost or destroyed, they just created a new one from microfilm.  I bet that wouldn't take nearly as long as it is going to take to attempt to retrieve records from a crashed hard drive.  Without a proper backup, it could take a very long time to recreate the index from microfilm.

Reminds me of the problem we have today with electronic cash registers... if the power goes out the store can't even sell you a stick of gum!  Sometimes, technology isn't really better at all.

And, remember, this comes from a "tech-guy" who loves his technology.  I would never have started this site if I didn't love the tech aspect of it all.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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