It seems like any sizable company is first hailed for releasing a powerful API. Then comes the powerful mashups. Then comes a crackdown on the mashups. examples

It seems like any sizable company is first hailed for releasing a powerful API. Then comes the powerful mashups. Then comes a crackdown on the mashups. examples: google maps, myspace widgets, alexa vs alexaholic I guess any start-up that is dependant on a SELECT other sites is seriously asking for Morning Surprises where they find out their app has been blocked or API changed or product killed by a competing product by the parent API company. Web apis seem fun to play around with. And are even nice to use them to make life easier and more fun for your users. But in no way I feel you can plan a long-term business out of it without any formal agreements.