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A comment on Why didn't we patent the spreadsheet? Were we stupid? (1999). Parent comment

Re:Why didn't we patent the spreadsheet? Were we stupid? (1999) by bendoidic on Friday September 20, 2013 @02:07PM (#6419438)
“Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.” - Thomas Edison, king of patents

Implementation, partnerships, marketing (visibility), and growth are all just as important as being first. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings in academia, where the ultimate goal is simply to be published first and recognized most.

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Re:Why didn't we patent the spreadsheet? Were we stupid? (1999) by 6ren on Saturday September 21, 2013 @05:43AM (#6422486)
Thank you! A contrast with academia is a good way to look at it.

Also, one might say Bricklin et al did get the academic reward of being recognized as first; but that ethically, whoever helps people most deserves the greater reward (through implementation that meets their needs; word of mouth that reaches them; ease of adoption; 3rd party support; constant improvement etc).

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