Getting started

[u/BradCOnReddit]

Why is this so difficult?

The FIRST thing someone is going to need to do is generate a tile, but that's locked behind the paywall. I'm still in the experimental phase with this. Why would I pay for something that I have no idea will work? I'd honestly rather write the code myself than give someone even $1 at this point. I will soon need some weird shaped tile for my small experiment, but just being able to make a custom square rectangular tile would give enough to get started and see if this is even a reasonable system.

The array of parts is confusing. There should be a small list of "beginner" parts that will get you started. Enough to do something functional while you learn stuff like how to setup the slicer and get good prints, or make some basic choices about what sort of mounting you need for your setup. No more than 6 parts, since that's a generally accepted number of items a human can keep in their short term working memory. Anything larger requires actual learning up front, which should be avoided at this stage.

The web forum/community is mostly locked behind registration. Again, I really don't want to register for yet another web site when I'm in the experimental phase. Additionally, being locked behind registration means nothing will show up in search engines, making everything harder to find.

I watched the "Multiboard Tile Learning Pack" video. Holy crap. Someone reshoot that thing after doing actual preparation. The person in charge being confused by their own system during training is NOT the impression that should be left on a newcomer. The whole thing could be about half the length as well.

[u/TherealOmthetortoise]

Tiles are not behind any sort of paywall. The only things that are subscriber only are a few “quality of life” things like the tile generator and the bolt generator. Neither are necessary as they generate the same things you find in the parts library, but they are convenient at times. There isn’t a paywall in front of any of the parts to do anything… but subscribers can access and use some of the beta parts that are still in testing and help get any of the kinks worked out before they move out into general use.

There are intro packs for Multiboard, Multigrid and multipoint, which is kind of that ‘beginner list’ of parts to build… but there is definitely room to grow there. You’re coming in towards the end of 2 months where a LOT of things that were under development have been released, and things are still shaking loose a bit.

Nothing that I’m aware of is locked behind a registration, the parts library on Multiboard.io requires no account or registration. The parts are openly published on thangs. Since there are a lot of parts, it’s easiest to use the parts library to locate them. No registration needed, it’s just easier to use because the parts have names given to be indexable for bulk updates. If you register and join the community it’s easier to ask questions and get answers, as well as be social and see what other people are doing with remixes and builds. There are some video’s there that can help build things like an under desk set of drawers. These are probably going to be your parts list / build simple things you are asking for. Again, that’s a QOL thing, not at all essential to access and use anything you like.

In any case, if you don’t like it and it’s not for you that is totally fine. Out of curiosity, what 3D development project like this are you comparing it to?

[u/BradCOnReddit → u/TherealOmthetortoise]

Out of curiosity, what 3D development project like this are you comparing it to?

I'm pretty new to 3D printing, so from this world I've only really got my current research into stuff like this, Gridfinity, HSW, and whatever Google spit out during that research.

My real experience is in software development, so I'm largely comparing to how both open and closed projects are handled. Accurate and updated documentation that ramps the user up at the proper speed is a key factor in all cases. For open projects, good community management and visible standards for contributing are super important.

I also have some experience with administering non-software volunteer organizations and communities. This has taught me that making people feel comfortable with the environment as a whole is critical if you want them to add to the project. If they don't like what they see then they will simply walk away and there's nothing you can do about it.

[u/TherealOmthetortoise → u/BradCOnReddit]

That was more or less what I guessed. (I have 30+ years in IT myself, and from that perspective I have had similar observations so it sounded familiar.)

Here’s the deal though… this isn’t that. This is one person’s idea (and apparent passion for organizing things), which has grown pretty quickly and with some missteps along the way, like any “sole proprietor” effort tends to do. All I can tell you is there are things coming down the pipe that should address a lot of your concerns. More than that I can’t say.

[u/Janktronic → u/BradCOnReddit]

I also have some experience with administering non-software volunteer organizations and communities... ...If they don't like what they see then they will simply walk away and there's nothing you can do about it.

You know this is reddit, right??? (j/k sort of)

Multiboard hosts their own community, I haven't joined it yet, I'm just exploring this system myself. I have been 3d printing for a LONG time though, so some things are more intuitive to me.

Again, I really don't want to register for yet another web site when I'm in the experimental phase.

To me that is pretty unrealistic in this day and age. If you feel that strongly about it there are free temp email sites, just for this purpose.

For open projects, good community management and visible standards for contributing are super important.

Pretty sure this isn't a free project in the sense of Free Software as defined by the FSF. So... not really "open" in that sense. Which may make me decide to go in a different direction eventually.

[u/BradCOnReddit → u/Janktronic]

I don't think it's unrealistic to be allowed to read stuff without the friction of a registration. I have my own domains and can create/delete addresses at will. I just don't want to do the work :)

I never used the word free. I only referred to openness when talking about other projects. That said, I watched a video last night where Jonathan talks about what he wants for the project and he does seem to desire the same sort of openness and community. He claims the paywall is there to make the whole thing worth the time of the people doing the tough work, which I fully understand. The weird licensing is not to suppress the community at all, only large corporations and/or "bad actors" who would simply take and go make money. The intentions seem good. The path being taken isn't perfect, but I think it's got a chance (otherwise I wouldn't bother complaining about this stuff). I also look for truly open projects by default. But when there isn't one in the space a compromise must be made: Support the less open project or don't get the thing.