CD's and CD-R's were never meant to be permanent storage media. Neither were wax cylinders, 78's, LP's, cassette tapes, or video tape. However,you can find each of those items in playable condition IF the owner gave them a proper care. Don't start panicking about CD-R's. There is an element of paranoia that causes people to question the durability of CD's. Urban legends are born. With reasonable care a CD-R should last at least for your lifetime, and probably the lifetime of your grandkids. IF it is something that is very important to you, make a copy or two.