I worry over introducing incompatible changes (which is more of an issue in middleware and libraries). OTOH, it's common to see "deprecated features", and ActionScript (in flash) has been utterly redesigned a few times. They're still ahead.
Another issue applies to patentable inventions. You need to get this right, because you need to file a prov before you can launch. What if you find out your invention doesn't work in some cases, and you need to change it? What if you have improvements? These encourage a perfectionistic approach - but the truth is, you can just file another prov (depending on jurisdiction, they cost $80, so filing several is no real problem). The only danger is that time started ticking on the first one (you have a year), so you're using up your time until you have to expend real money and effort to patent it for real - or let it go.
From what I understand, you can retroactively file an [American] patent application from within a year of your first public/open demo. Then you have another year to file a real claim.
Comments
I worry over introducing incompatible changes (which is more of an issue in middleware and libraries). OTOH, it's common to see "deprecated features", and ActionScript (in flash) has been utterly redesigned a few times. They're still ahead.
Another issue applies to patentable inventions. You need to get this right, because you need to file a prov before you can launch. What if you find out your invention doesn't work in some cases, and you need to change it? What if you have improvements? These encourage a perfectionistic approach - but the truth is, you can just file another prov (depending on jurisdiction, they cost $80, so filing several is no real problem). The only danger is that time started ticking on the first one (you have a year), so you're using up your time until you have to expend real money and effort to patent it for real - or let it go.
From what I understand, you can retroactively file an [American] patent application from within a year of your first public/open demo. Then you have another year to file a real claim.