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81 // Evergreen notes with Stephan Ango

Metamuse

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The importance of plain text files for long-term digital preservation

Obsidian values plain text files as they are more durable and lasting compared to software apps. While apps may not survive the passage of time due to changing operating systems and user preferences, plain text files have the potential to stand the test of time. Obsidian believes that if computers still exist in a thousand years, plain text will still be functional. They prioritize the longevity and significance of the files created in their app over the app itself. Obsidian aims to create a tool that can endure through generations, just like the enduring nature of hieroglyphics inscribed on ancient artifacts. By writing to plain text files, Obsidian ensures compatibility with computers from different eras, making it possible to open an Obsidian file on a computer from the 60s or even 200 years from now.

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