I was doing some research and it seems to be the case that a "World Physical Media" day does not exist (yet). Now, this may be silly of me, but I want to change that! So, I am establishing a grassroots movement and you are all invited to join.
I would love for there to be a day every year where we celebrate all things tangible, with the backbone of it being media preservation and fan participation.
I have decided that the date will be December 11th. December 11th 1978 was the day that the LaserDisc (then known as DiscoVision) debuted. Though a somewhat niche format, LaserDisc represents the philosophy of World Physical Media Day: preservation of uncut/imported/obscure media, the power of fan culture and the beauty of physical media. The day will be about all physical media, though, not just LaserDiscs!
If you care about media preservation, enjoy posting shelfies, are tired of disingenuous AI slop content or just simply enjoy actually owning and holding something you love, please consider joining the movement!
Ways to support World Physical Media Day:
Purchase physical media (especially from a local, bricks and mortar store if possible!)
Share your collections, fave editions and "shelfies" with the hashtag #WorldPhysicalMediaday
Borrow physical media from a library or put a request in
Watch a movie/show on physical media (e.g: DVD, blu-ray, LaserDisc, VHS, Betamax, etc)
Listen to an album on physical media (e.g: vinyl, CD, cassette, minidisc) from beginning to end
Visit a library, bookstore, game store or video store, spread the word about World Physical Media Day if you're so inclined!
Preserve and back up media you own: learn how to catalogue collections, protect your media and investigate ways on how you can create backups (or find someone in your community who can)
Share stories behind your fave physical media
Donate unwanted physical media to libraries, charities and other organisations that may be looking for it
Learn about a physical media technology you don't know much about
Host a meetup: watch a DVD with friends, listen to a vinyl record with a family member, etc!
These are just some suggestions, you are more than welcome to celebrate the day however feels right and manageable to you. ❤︎
I know this is obviously very early but I feel like it doesn't hurt to put it out there now and promote the endeavour. I also wanted to share now so that if anyone has any ideas or contributions they'd like to make, there is ample time.
P.S: my handwriting is sloppy, yes, but it is my own! I like writing on pen and paper and I felt like it was in the spirit of what I want World Physical Media Day to be about: authenticity, enjoyment and the preservation of the tangible ꨄ︎
Memo pad was bought here!
Edit: we now have a website! https://worldphysicalmediaday.org/
