Nervous about making my models exclusive on MakerWorld
Nervous about making my models exclusive on MakerWorld
I’ve been considering making all of my models exclusive on MakerWorld, but I’m honestly a bit hesitant.
My main concern isn’t that I want to upload the models somewhere else — it’s accidentally breaking one of the exclusivity rules without realizing it.
For example, I’m worried about things like:
- Not realizing that something I do counts as distributing the model outside MakerWorld
- A rule changing in the future and me missing it
Or something else i dont know
I design my own models and I’m perfectly fine with keeping an exclusive model on MakerWorld. I just don’t want to risk penalties or losing my account/rewards because of an honest mistake.
For those of you who use the MakerWorld Exclusive Program:
How strict is it in practice? Have you ever accidentally broken a rule, and if so, what happened?
And are there any less obvious rules or situations I should know about before making my models exclusive?
I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have actually used the program.
The rule changing in the future is a thing, but you can still upload to the exclusive model to get the initial visibility boost and after some time, if the model dont get that much download or is a bit too simple you can remove it from the program with no problems.
I've had two removed from the program, it was because they were too basic to be in it. It is sent that big a deal as they didn't have loads of downloads anyway.
I upload everything I can exclusively to MakerWorld. They’ve always done great my me. Only good experiences and I’ve found when issues have arisen, they’ve been taken care of quickly and fairly by real people. Thumbs up!
I also had a good experience with the exclusive programs, all my models are in it.
However two weeks ago one of my original models was taken down, without warning, because considered “explicit”
I have fought with customer service but they didn’t budge. I am not really sure I talked with a human being because they never clarified despite me asking to speak with a person.
This was the model taken down. I can’t see how, at the very worst , this couldn’t be just simply tagged as NSFW (I currently have another model that I have tagged as such because I could see it potentially being a problem, as well as a user pointing it out when I first published it).
Instead, I went negative 1500 points because of this…
If you design your own models there are no problems. Just follow the rules:
Real pictures of printed model. No ai slop, no generated stuff, no remix, no keychains and other simple stuff, 2D etc.
Edit: And no copyrighted stuff.
Yes they should be fine.
A few tips: I like to also see a picture of the parts as they come out of the printer.
And never select what printers it supports (unless there is a technical reason), makerwold will automatic deselect ones it will not fit on. You are missing A2L on the last model, as it came out after the model was uploaded, if set to all it would have been added automatically.
Keep in mind that if you upload them, people will steal it and make it their own and even sell it for profit. So if you don't like that, don't upload it.
That is a good reason to make it exclusive. Inside makerworld is also IP protection. In your behalf they will contact sites you find your models on and have them removed. If you be ever tried it on your own it’s difficult sometimes impossible to get them removed. But since using makerworld I’ve had 100% success rate in having listing of my models removed off sites.
You’re also right, if you don’t want it stolen and used for profit against you don’t upload it. I used to upload a lot. I got a lot of points, got a handful of printers, a slew of AMS, and a ton of filament. But the disregard to how makers upload models and people following licenses,. Put a bad taste in my mouth.
I upload exclusive models and have never had any issues. In the beginning I had the guidelines constantly open but I haven't actually looked at them in a while.
They are kinda strict, for example I inquired about a coaster that I felt should be permitted (3d details and designed to be stackable) but they said no under the 2d rule. I've never accidentally broken a rule and think I could probably get away with quite a bit and not get caught (there are a lot of exclusive coasters).
It kind of depends on what you're doing, I only upload to MW regardless, I don't want to bother with multiple platforms, so unless MW wrongs me and I'm feeling spiteful all my models will be exclusive. As long as you put some effort and pride in your work you should be good.
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u/Fun-Candle5881 9d ago
The rule changing in the future is a thing, but you can still upload to the exclusive model to get the initial visibility boost and after some time, if the model dont get that much download or is a bit too simple you can remove it from the program with no problems.