Intrinsic value

Michel Benarie and Jonathan Ashley-Smith have analysed the factors that lead to the survival of actual cultural objects. Among them are factors intrinsic to the object. An object that is intrinsically valuable, such as one that is made of precious metal, will be kept safe and looked after; therefore it is more likely to survive than one that is less valuable. Durability is another relevant factor. An object that is strongly made of precious metal may survive well (although it may also be melted down). An object made of precious stone may have a better chance.

Digital cultural objects are neither intrinsically valuable nor durable. Any value arises from current perceptions and uses. There is nothing we can do about this.