Just to clarify, since some people (not necessarily you) confuse this: first-to-file does not mean prior art doesn't count. If you publish something, it can stil be used to invalidate a patent or application.

First-to-file just means that if two people apply for a patent, there's no possibility for the second to challenge the first with an interference proceeding[1] to attempt to prove using non-published evidence that you actually invented first.

[1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_proceedings