I thought I’d written about this before, but a quick search doesn’t find it. If you’re someone who archives photos, music, or other data to CD or DVD for long-term storage, be sure to read through the NIST report on Care and Handling Guide for the Preservation of CDs and DVDs, or at the very least their Quick Reference Guide for Care and Handling.
[update 6-May] CNN’s carrying an AP story: CDs, DVDs not so immortal.