The temperature plummeted some 60 degrees from 3:00 PM through the overnight hours on February 17th, and we awoke on Saturday the 18th, to snow and cold we had not yet experienced this season, but ICON’S monthly meeting was held as planned. As unprepared as I was to face the bone chilling cold and wind, I knew Harold Hunton would be thoroughly prepared for his presentation about the longevity (or lack thereof) of recordable CDs and the safety of our files when stored on them.

True to form, Harold had dug deeply into the topic. Not only did we learn about the longevity of CD-R/RW media, we learned that the self stick labels can sometimes be the source of failure, and that even some felt tip pens contain ink that may cause premature failure.

In his research, Harold found that two brands, Mitsui (now MAM-A) and Taiyo Yuden, stand out as some of the best. These are manufacturer (not marketing) names, and “if” the manufacturer’s name appears on the disc at all, you have to read the tiny print in the center hub of the disc in order to know if it is one of these two brands.

The lowest prices Harold was able to find (online or locally) for the recommended brands happens to be here in Springfield at National Audio Company, Inc. They are located at 309 E. Water St.

You can check out Internet links to the best information he found by checking the “Monthly Program” page in the “Previous Month’s Related Links” at ICON’s web site.

Sharing what we learn with one another is integral to the real value of user group membership! Thank you Harold, for sharing with the rest of us, the fruits of your research into this subject, which affects all of us.

ICON’S first annual “March of Technology” is all set for March 18 th at The Library Center! We have put together a great lineup of exhibits, features, programs, speakers, and door prizes for this special event. I have high expectations that organizing and hosting this event will bring new members to ICON, help pave the way for new programs and speakers, and broaden the scope of our outreach in the community.

Plans for this project first began taking shape last August. We discussed it during officers’ meeting, and the others agreed to allocate the funds required for it to succeed. I assured them that I would do the leg work, and began by securing support for the idea and reserving the space at the Library Center. Since then, various others have contributed in important ways, but all of our combined efforts and the expenditure of funds would be wasted without the volunteers needed to staff the features and exhibits. ICON (and I personally) want to express our thanks for your willingness to help us grow and get better at providing the help you need!!!

Even if you were unable to volunteer, don’t miss this showcase event, and remember to wear your ICON name tag and a smile! See you there.

Never fear, springtime is near!

Terry