Hey everyone,
I’ve just come to the realization that I’ve been a Data Hoarder my whole life without even knowing it. Since I was 12, I’ve accumulated a paranormal amount of data, thinking it was completely normal… until I realized that owning thousands of CDs and terabytes of meticulously stored files wasn’t exactly common behavior. Ebooks, the most obscure conferences, art installations...movies, you name it.
But here’s the lame twist: I have nothing left. Everything I had hoarded over the years is gone: lost due to various reasons (degradation, storage failures, chronic depression…). I had to learn this lesson the hard way, and now I want to make sure it never happens again. More importantly, I want to help others avoid the same mistakes.
One of my biggest passions has always been YouTube. I’ve been deep into the platform for the past 20 years, witnessing its evolution, mass deletions, and its massive impact on digital culture. I no longer have my old archives, but I’ve gained extensive knowledge about formats, trends, vanished channels...
So now I’m wondering: What can I contribute to the archival community?
I’d love to put my experience and knowledge to good use, but I’m not sure where to start. Are there any active projects related to YouTube that I could join? Any initiatives I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance for any advice, and I’m looking forward to connecting with people who share this passion!