[BushCountry]

There have been extensive discussions in the last few years arguing that the only reliable archival medium is acid-free paper.

I am for micro-etching print (data) using lasers on metal or a hard plastic that will last for a million years.

[null and void]

I am for micro-etching print (data) using lasers on metal or a hard plastic that will last for a million years.

Plastic? Good for a couple centuries max. Besides, somone somewhere, is going to think of it as a handy waterproof, decay proof fuel.

Metal? Rusts, corrodes, or worse gets melted down for other uses. Not many bronze plaques left over from Roman times. Lots of stone inscriptions, though.

Best bet, a fully oxidized material, like a ceramic or stone. Alumina might be very good, provided the size and shape doesn't lead itself to destructive uses, too thick to be broken into edged tools, too small to be used as bricks and paving stones.

Except for the data the media should be utterly useless for other applications.

[FReepaholic]

>>...I am for micro-etching print (data) using lasers on metal or a hard plastic that will last for a million years...<<

How 'bout holographic storage inside a crystal??