Discussion of all things related to Public Domain

["tompoe AT renonevada.net" <tompoe AT renonevada.net>]

Hi, Sabrina:  Here's my question.

What search terms would you use to learn more about copyright terms? 
Specifically, I'm interested in finding out who might have thought about 
copyright terms in a relative sense to the "life expectancy" 
consideration for those who lived in the 1790's.  The life expectancy 
span at that time, was something in the range of 36 years.  Noting that, 
then, it might seem logical to attach a related term of "lifetime" to 
the then, 14 year copyright plus renewal, which took it to 28 years. 
This would coincide with an accepted philosophy of granting copyright 
for the life of the creator, even in the 1790's.

If this argument were put forth, and it was with merit, then the 
discussion over copyright would take on a different flavor, at least for 
me.  But, so far, I haven't seen much discussion on this with the 
searches I have done, or the readings I have been exposed to.  Are you 
able to offer any suggestions?  My interest is in trying to move the 
discussion away from fighting with corporate idiots, and moving on to 
solutions [such as Open Studios/Creative Commons, hint, hint].
Thanks,
Tom Poe
Open Studios
Reno, NV
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