I don't know if this was part of the discussion Bill is referring to as I didn't hear it, but scientists at the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and elsewhere have been trying to figure out this one for quite a few years now. Paper, even crappy paper, and parchment are far more durable and have a much longer life span. Every time something is converted or transferred to a newer digital version or format something gets lost.
If anyone's interested, they have published several publications available online (Technical Bulletins #25, #27, #30:
https://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/resources-...eng.aspx?id=18
Symposium proceedings:
https://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/resources-...&thispubid=506
and a CCI Note on the longevity of CDs and DVDs:
http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1439925167385
David