They say that, if you need obsolete technology, go to the library.

Not only are we poor, and thus not always able to purchase the cutting edge stuff, but many of the resources we deal with are stored in forms only readable with last decade's, last year's, and increasingly, last week's technology, so we have to keep things around for all of that.

Now, though you referenced the adventures of Paul Proteus, I have another reference for you, of another computer-enhanced player piano -- actually, reading of original piano rolls cut by the composer and enhanced with a computer assist -- that has brought me nothing but delight.

I have some reproductions of old maps. The workmanship was fine, and the artwork was beautiful, but errors showed up on them too: "Here Be Dragones".

True though it be that we may become slaves to technology, we have always needed to worry about this since we began to develop it. The guy whose cave was closest to the flint has the advantage of familiarily with the technology. We just need to stay on our toes, that's all.

Peace, peace... Become an artist by name as well as by inclination and teach your art as art. The need for it will come around again, and you will help ensure it's available to call.