I agree completely here, BUUUUUUT - I would recommend keeping a copy in a plain text file, not just stashed inside the jpeg image. Although it's more work (should include a description of the picture as well as just a filename) plain text ascii is the one format that has consistently stood the test of time. (and it's a lot easier to search) And while we're talking about formats, DVD is not completely stable yet. Remember beta vs. vhs? If you are really looking at archiving for the future I'd go with plain-jane ISO CD. (this format is a little difficult to burn on a Mac, but it can be read by anything) Although it will wane as dvd becomes cheaper, it will be readable on 5-inch optical hardware until the RIAA finds something better, or goes bankrupt. By then the next generation of storage media will have stabilized.

As one who has just archived my father's slides from 1938-1964 and prints from 1965 to today, here is what I did.

Scanned slides on Coolscan and Prints on Epson flat scanner.
Saved all scans as maximum JPEGs on DVD media
Gave DVDs to family members at Christmas.
In the process of saving all archived media to a NAS server.

If storage media changes, I will copy accordingly. I will back up the media to a new DVD every two years. Maybe even make new versions for Christmas. The extra copies will assure that fire would not destroy the digital record. Spreading out the copies is the real key to a preserved archive.

[QUOTE=G5from128k]
"The metadata is as important or more important than the photos themselves because it contains the stories that bring the photos to life. Without the metadata, all those pictures are just strangers in an unknown place at an unknown time."

This one sets the point to the whole story of doeing it or not - the scanning of all negatives - had I only made always comments on the back of the photo. Sometimes I did...but now, go back and remember each picture exactly.

Now, I have collected enough information. Thanks to all participants for feeding me with knowledge unheard before. :D