Feature Request: Option to upload g-codes file only to MakerWorld

[DWdesigns]

This @feature-request is inspired by some recent posts about stolen models and also frustrations about users having bad printing experience when deviating from designer provided profiles.

Having this option will make it more difficult for bad actors to steal models in large scale and sell them on other platforms. It will reduce the burden of creators and MakerWorld to track and report such violations.

The feature can make MW stand out even more among the platforms to designers who want better protection of their creative work.

In addition to IP protection, the option to upload only the g-code file will help to ensure that the designers’ print profile is used. Some creators spend lots of time crafting a print profile and want their users to use them to ensure a good printing experience.

[CincinnatiDesigns]

I am going to play some devils advocate here (just as a thought experiment, I am not disagreeing)…

@DWdesigns

posts about stolen models

What stops someone from stealing the gcode?

@DWdesigns

Having this option will make it more difficult for bad actors to steal models in large scale and sell them on other platforms

Couldnt someone easily run the gcode through a voxelizer to get a 3d model out of it? And same point as above, wouldnt people just steal the new method too?

@DWdesigns

The feature can make MW stand out even more among the platforms to designers who want better protection

Do they stand out already? Given other recent events, I can not say that I am convinced.

Other wise, does this stop anyone that does not have a compatible printer from making a model? Of course.

I think it is a beat around the bush solution.

What I want to see…

1. Digital watermarking built into profile and model files (connection to a certain user)
2. Locking profile parameters for profile to be eligible for rating. (Local copy can be made for personal editing)
3. Watermarking verified and compared before model is posted to make sure that it is not a duplicate
4. Open copyright conversations between the major platforms to come up with a better solution

While this solution might work to a certain extent, it will cause more issues than it solves.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

[hotellonely]

No, this is not an option because it would not be suitable for different printers and filaments.

[DWdesigns]

@CincinnatiDesigns

@DWdesigns

Having this option will make it more difficult for bad actors to steal models in large scale and sell them on other platforms

Couldnt someone easily run the gcode through a voxelizer to get a 3d model out of it? And same point as above, wouldnt people just steal the new method too?

The answer is in “…will make it more difficult … to steal … in large scale …” Nothing can completely stops stealing, but thieves are lazy people.

@CincinnatiDesigns

Do they stand out already?

At least they want to. MW is so far the only platform that OFFERS creators some protection through the Creator Copyright Protection Program. How effective it will be is a different question and still to be seen.

@hotellonely

it would not be suitable for different printers and filaments.

If the creators want, they can offer different versions of g-code files to suit different printers.

But some may not and accept the fact that if they only offer g-code from Bambu Studio their uploads will only be downloaded by BL printer owners.

Thus this feature was raised as an option (not the only and mandatory way), in addition to the 3MF file option available.