I was watching a Zion Brock video on getting started with Bambu Lab, one of his topics is earning points by creating print profiles for models that don’t have one. I decided to try this out, but couldn’t find how to filter out models with print profiles like he did in the video, as MW has had the UI update since the video was released.
To my knowledge, this search function has been removed. That used to be relevant, but now almost every creator uploads their 3D object including a print profile. The days of scoring lots of points with print profiles are over. Sure, you can try, but you’re a little late to the party. You are trying to collect the last tiny remnants of gold from a mine that has been completely exhausted.
When it comes to points, it’s better to create your own 3D model. Print profiles are a waste of time, particularly if the original creator changes their mind and uploads their own print profile, resulting in yours being deleted. Or if the creator simply deletes their 3D object, then your profile will disappear too.
1 Like
Okay, thanks for the information.
There’s some popular models (on other platforms) that are here on MW without print profiles. I noticed a lot of sillybutts’ nerf stuff doesn’t have a profile.
Most people will tell you not to bother, to keep the points for themselves 
Curious if he discussed the etiquette of doing that?
As Sharky said, this was and is a hot button here. Even on model pages with print profiles, others would post minor changes as new profiles specifically to skim points on popular models. The extra profiles would even hide the original creator’s profiles making the “robbery” even worse.
People here got fed up fast - understandably so - and there’s been a push to get 3rd party profiles disallowed entirely because of it.
Just my opinion, but if you think you can contribute something of value with a print profile on someone else’s model page, you should always ask the original designer first if they are ok with it. If they are, great. If they aren’t, you’ve likely saved yourself wasted time making one because original creators can ask for it to be removed.
Also, check the license. They may not allow redistributing their files which you are doing by posting a print profile made from their files even if you post it on their model page. And especially if you post on your own model page with someone else’s files.
In short, many here don’t like it though some are ok with it. You should always ask first. Always. (IMO)
One other point is profiles need at least one actual photograph of the print. It’s not ok to just repackage and post. You have to repackage, print, photograph, and post or else you risk having points revoked and other penalties. That’s time, wear and tear, and expense that can all be wasted if the original creator gets your profile deleted.
I agree with most of what you say but if the model uploader adds a profile it doesn’t delete yours. It will get removed if they claim yours is a duplicate with no significant differences BUT if you appeal with the time stamps it will get reinstated. They won’t remove the designers as a duplicate profile though in my experience.
I have successfully done this but I should add it wasn’t a point harvesting exercise it was some profiles on designers who had no profiles across many models for many months and I happened to need the model!
Please read my comment carefully. I’m speaking from experience, which you can also read about in this forum.
- The original creator can delete their 3D model at any time, thereby also deleting all print profiles.
- When the original creator uploads a print profile, it is given priority and he can report profiles from third parties.
- Profiles created by third parties must represent an improvement; the original creator can almost always dispute this.
You can read all about it here in the forum. As third party creating print profiles, you have no control whatsoever.
I have no idea how often you’ve had to deal with support and disputes, but believe me, you can read about a lot of bad experiences here. This is why it is important to warn newcomers about this trap for beginners, as it should not be underestimated.
1 Like
When someone is going out and searching specifically for models without a print profile, it is most always a point harvesting exercise.
I also do not think there is an appeals process for print profiles. Either it violates the community guidelines or it doesn’t. You are mixing up topics.
2 Likes
Absolutely they can and it will I agree, nothing you can do about this, totally fair.
They can upload and they can report if they want it’s happened to me HOWEVER on appeal my profiles were put back as were the points.
A profile uploaded when none exists is always an improvement (something is always better than nothing) I have pointed this out on appeal and profile put back as were points.
I’ve done this within the last month.
That all said posting profiles to harvest points is not a good thing and thankfully can’t really be done now anyway!
You missed what I said, I had a couple of profiles where I wanted to print a model that had no profile (and hadn’t for months in common with all their models) which I uploaded. That is not point harvesting, in fact in one case the points were donated to the designer anyway….
And I assure you that you can appeal a profile being removed as I’ve done it within the last month…
„Our team has reviewed the relevant print profile and the information you provided. Based on the review results, your print profile should not be considered a duplicate.
Therefore, we are pleased to inform you that your print profile has been successfully restored and is now active on the platform. You can visit the model page to confirm whether it is visible again.“
You realise that this isn’t the strong argument you think it is, don’t you? Firstly, one person’s experience at one time does not reflect the collective knowledge of the forum or how support usually handles things.
Secondly, doesn’t it work against you when you ignore the designer’s wishes?
Then why are you ignoring the designer’s request to have your profile removed? Why did your print profile matter more to you than the creator’s request, to the point where you even brought in MakerWorld support?
…or are you just bluffing? Is it not about the designer’s wishes, but rather a single case of dispute about duplicate print profiles? Which has nothing to do with the actual topic at all?
Sorry, but there’s a piece missing from your story. Something’s not right… 
So you are the collective knowledge of the forum?
Lol. You spend enough time here to be.
1 Like
I do? In this thread or the forum in general?
Responding to @RetroSharky using your question.
Not meant for you. But seriously, he posts probably 50 times a day.
1 Like
I actually checked, it’s only ~800 posts in a year. So, two post a day. 
You actually managed to post more in the same amount of time - to post three times a day, though. 
1 Like
This only works for models that do NOT have a standard digital file licence.
Standard Digital File License: “The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.”
If you are getting the MakerReward Points for the print profile, fees (MakerReward Points) are collected and you are violating the model licence.