Just like you, when I first read about it, I was worried, but then I hoped something serious had happened.
Why? Well, I like the Internet Archive like any other of us here does, but I am worried about his model: centralization.
This time nothing happend, fine, but something actually can happen, someday. I just think that the "Better shut it down, NOW!" theory[0] also applies to the Internet Archive, and I hope I that one day I'll see a new one, federative and distributed.
... would you say the same about the Library of Alexandria? What would you have suggested they do? Not kept a library?
You should play some poker. It'll give a healthy respect for how much odds can affect outcomes. Shocking situations will happen, but half the time you'll be the one doing the shocking. Often you can win with just a pair of 8's. Based on your attitude, it seems like you'd always choose to fold if you were only holding 8 8, but in reality it's sometimes worth it to call.
Your expected value by not playing at all, though, is zero. Meaning you won't lose, but you won't win either. This only makes sense when you're satisfied with your environment as it exists today.
I wouldn't be satisfied without the internet archive. It serves a vital function. They may be gambling against natural disasters, but you know what? They're still winning. And by choosing to play, they've improved our world a bit. We should be grateful, not scornful.
Read the link? Thought about the difference between books (paper) and data (bits)? Also the example you chose shows the problem with centralization. Never said "better off without the Internet Archive" but "I'd be happier with an improved one, but the existence of the present one puts everybody in a comfort zone".
However, there is a human tragedy here, for people who have done good work for us, and we want to help out.
If you don't want to, that's your prerogative.
I'm glad that you've scanned books and released them. Maybe scanners will become trivial; you might be right. They aren't there yet, though, and I feel like I owe these people a debt, to help.
I'm not telling you what to do or think. I'm just answering why I think there's more to the issue than that there could be a centralized storage, and that in the future maybe it gets easier to do.
Sometimes when there's a fire you just put some money in the hat to help, buddy. It's more about compassion than anything.
Just like you, when I first read about it, I was worried, but then I hoped something serious had happened.
Why? Well, I like the Internet Archive like any other of us here does, but I am worried about his model: centralization. This time nothing happend, fine, but something actually can happen, someday. I just think that the "Better shut it down, NOW!" theory[0] also applies to the Internet Archive, and I hope I that one day I'll see a new one, federative and distributed.
[0]: https://torrentfreak.com/shut-down-the-pirate-bay-founder-sa...