Public-only API default for docs and changelog surfaces
Keep the docs and changelog API public for published entries only, and require authentication for drafts, so bots and buyers see the live record without leaking unfinished work.
Why this can grow a startup
Discovery surfaces break when the public feed mixes live pages with half-finished drafts. A published-only default keeps the crawlable layer clean while preserving internal preview workflows for the team. It also makes AI retrieval safer because agents pulling the public endpoint are less likely to quote something that was never meant to ship.
Company example
Productlane's API docs say unauthenticated docs and changelog endpoints return only published content, while authenticated requests can include unpublished entries.
Source and metric
Source: Productlane Docs: API
Unauthenticated docs and changelog endpoints return only published entries; auth is required for unpublished content
Source discovered: May 27, 2026
When to use it
Use this when API, SEO, Website is relevant to crawlability, technical seo, ai discovery and you can run a bounded test with a low budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read Productlane Docs: API and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: API, SEO, Website.
- Define the test around Unauthenticated docs and changelog endpoints return only published entries; auth is required for unpublished content.
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Turn isolated search tactics into a crawlable visibility system tied to demand and proof.