When discussing copyright, people invariably assume copyright is good because it "allows artists to prosper"; I think to turn the dialogue from "limiting copyright" to "expanding the public domain" might be one strong tactic in effecting a shift in people's thinking...
Whether for ad banners, print ads, manifestos or otherwise - it would be wise if we had an unofficial list of "great derivative works only made possible by the public domain", things that never would have existed if copyright law were extended even 10% beyond the status quo.
Off the top of my head, we have...
Wicked: The Musical (only made possible by Wizard of Oz reaching public domain)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(musical) Anne & Gilbert: The Musical (only made possible by Anne of Green Gables reaching public domain)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_%26_Gilbert(I believe, but am not certain, that Road to Avonlea was licensed by LMM's estate three years before reaching PD)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (only made possible by P&P reaching public domain)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice_and_ZombiesTen Things I Hate About You (only made possible by Taming of the Shrew being public domain)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Things_I_Hate_About_YouWhat are some other examples?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_%26_Gilbert
