“Retention is the system’s way of admitting the record matters.”
Phase Notes
“Stored does not mean safe. Stored means reachable.”
“The file is not closing. It’s settling into the walls.”
The system keeps what it prefers.
The record keeps what it must.
Archive is not closure. Archive is a decision.
retained
• schedule: indefinite
• access: limited
Primary file remains open under “administrative convenience.”
Timeline preserved. Interpretation withheld.
Names removed. Consequences intact.
Availability is “as needed.” Need is undefined.
Review repeats until fatigue is mistaken for agreement.
“Retention is the system’s way of admitting the record matters.”
“Stored does not mean safe. Stored means reachable.”
“The file is not closing. It’s settling into the walls.”