API ecosystem poaching is definitely uncool. Twitters recent moves are disturbing and definitely will have a negative impact on how people view APIs. The bad

API ecosystem poaching is definitely uncool. Twitters recent moves are disturbing and definitely will have a negative impact on how people view APIs. The bad decisions by Twitter doesn't mean everything is going to shit. Amazon is building their ecosystem with consideration of their ecosystem players - http://www.cloudave.com/10992/aws-vpc-and-impact-on-ecosystem/ http://www.cloudave.com/10992/aws-vpc-and-impact-on-ecosyste... NPR is retooling their APIs to support partner efforts, licensing, digital rights, etc. - http://www.npr.org/blogs/inside/2011/03/17/134259537/the-npr-api-an-engine-rebuild http://www.npr.org/blogs/inside/2011/03/17/134259537/the-npr... This is some tough shit. No quick answers. Its different for different industries, mediums, etc. Some API owners are making poor decisions, but there are plenty others like NPR, Amazon, and Netflix that are innovating and sharing their stories on problems they face and what went into their decisions. The key in any of this is don't get swept up in the short term undercurrents. Step back and look at bigger pictures. I've been using APIs for 10 years. Cloud computing for 5. I feel like we are just getting going. Lots to figure out.