Does ANYONE use the write protect tab on memory cards?

An arrow pointing to the write protect tab on an SD memory card
(Image credit: James Artaius)

When it comes to tech, I'm usually excited about having more knobs and dials and things to fiddle with. But this is one that I've never ever fiddled with in the almost quarter century that I've been using SD cards: the write protect tab. 

Actually, that's a bit of a fib. I have fiddled with the tab – because the only thing it has ever contributed to my life is causing three separate cards to fail on me, either because the tab broke or because the card itself stopped recognizing it (which actually happened to me earlier this month, on a professional job). 

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.