MakerWorld Contest Hilarity

[MZip]

This is what it’s come to. Have you read the contest rules recently? Kind of funny but also sad.

With this as the primary defense against contest spamming, for those that care, it’s always fun to take some time and report non-complying models. Only thing is do it too long and they cut you off. (Added - Do it too long and you can get banned - see Gimpers’ post) But kind of amazing what people think complies with a contest theme. Frequently it’s just saying the theme in the title and that’s it.

Work out those holiday frustrations by shutting down the spammers, eh? (Added - Can’t recommend this if it can get people banned for reporting noncompliant models.)

Anyway, here’s the rules for the torch contest. No sticks, guys & gals!

This contest focuses on designs for torch only. Please avoid submitting entries that are unrelated to the theme, including but not limited to:

• Generic items without functional or structural innovation for the context. For example, a plain cylinder or stick with no torch-like features, flame element, or lighting concept.

• Models detached from the core contest theme. For example, figurines, lamps, cups, tool holders, or home décor objects that do not resemble or function as a torch.

• Weakly-related entries that attempt to “FORCE” a theme connection through superficial elements like color, texture, or shape. For example, painting a regular container orange and calling it a ‘torch,’ or adding flame decals to an unrelated object such as a phone stand.

• Entries that clearly deviate from the core theme and point to other topics entirely.

To ensure fairness, entries that do not align with the theme will be removed from the contest and penalized. Please submit your entries thoughtfully.

[CincinnatiDesigns]

It is disappointing that they have to go that far.

Although I respect them adding clarification. I rather see clarification on rules than people throwing fits that their model was removed

[DWdesigns]

This is a good step.

Let’s see if it is enforced. Will it be enforced to the spirit of the rules, or only to the specific examples mentioned in the rule.

For example, the rule excludes printing a container in orange and calling it a touch. But it doesn’t specifically prohibit submitting a container and calling it a touch stand

Another examplel will be Hueforges showing a touch, which is not specifically mentioned for exclusion.

If rules are clear like this and enforcement is real, maybe we can all go back to participate in contests.

[PrinterMcgee]

Well there goes my entry. Thanks Bambu, you’ve ruined Christmas…

[MalcTheOracle]

Topic adjacent, just not the topic’s specific contest.

Check out these two CyberBrick joysticks.

[Gimpers]

The snowball one is off to a great start already with it’s new rule set as well being ignored.

And on the subject of new guidelines this was added in the recent update

I wonder what will be considered unfounded and invalid.

[MalcTheOracle]

Which ones are unrelated?

They all seem on-topic, although I only had a quick look.

@Gimpers

I wonder what will be considered unfounded and invalid.

It is meant for those people who report the designers being unfairly protected by MW despite how many obvious rules they break.

Call out MW too often and you will be punished.

[MZip]

@Gimpers

And on the subject of new guidelines this was added in the recent update

I wonder what will be considered unfounded and invalid.

What a great way to discourage folks from reporting models - do it too much and you yourself can get banned?

The actual best answer is for Bambu/Makerworld to do the policing themselves. That has always been the best answer but Makerworld refuses to do it. I may still report junk models but now won’t just go through to help get rid of the spammers.

Thanks for the heads-up on that, Gimpers. As far as I’m concerned now, Makerworld can police the contests themselves.

[DWdesigns]

@Gimpers

I think this is to discourage report spamming from some bad actors who may target designers they don’t like or put down competitions.

As long as reports are made in good faith, there is nothing to worry about. Keep reporting models that break the rules.

[MZip]

I agree on the surface that sounds like earnestly reporting models is ok, but unfortunately it’s their determination. Anyone who has gotten a complaint denied has by Bambu’s rules submitted an invalid complaint.

And they also say it can be an attack against the platform to file too many complaints. How is that defined? How many is too many?

They ought to reward those who do the work they should be doing. They ought to do it themselves. As soon as there is risk for me to do their job then I’m out.

[RetroSharky]

@MZip

What a great way to discourage folks from reporting models - do it too much and you yourself can get banned?

Actually, I almost always agree with your posts, but this time I have to say: Please take it down a notch.

It doesn’t say “too much,” but rather too many unjustified reports in relation to suspicious activity. That’s also correct, in order to protect creators from spam reports. Trust me, none of us creators want certain toxic users or bots to be able to send endless reports in a short period of time. This is not about the normal creator who is rightfully reporting something.

Be honest, with that sentence you’ve overshot the mark a tiny bit. You know what this is about. Creators are able to write multiple reports and are not banned because their writing is factual and reasonable.

[MZip]

I definitely see your point but we are unfortunately in somewhat uncharted territory and one that has translation issues.

I’ve had a number of what I thought were blatant violations be decided in the model’s favor so my calibration is obviously different from MakerWorld’s. It’s against that backdrop that I say I don’t trust that there won’t be blowback if I’m bored and go report a bunch of models that they don’t see as violating. That can put me square in “abusing the system” territory and the issue is I don’t have metrics or guidelines to self-regulate. Worse, appeals seem to be really tough nuts too.

I did say I would still report individual models that I think violate the rules but just going through the contests and reporting what I think are obvious violations could still conceivably get me banned. Why should I stick my neck out for a better MakerWorld when it could get it chopped off? It’s my time and effort. I just don’t see wasting it when it could get me in trouble on their platform.

But I definitely agree that the wording is that we shouldn’t get in trouble submitting reports honestly and sincerely. That wording seems to say that. But going in hunting for the spammers and reporting too many that Bambu gives a pass for whatever reason could come back to haunt. Instead, I’ll just wait and watch to see how this shakes out. Our time and help aren’t compensated and even if the risk is small or even nonexistent, it’s their platform and really their responsibility. All I’m doing is opting out of doing what they should have been doing all along.

And it’s all because some ignore the rules to boost their models and get more downloads/exposure. It’s always the ones who think rules exist only to give them an edge by breaking them.

[RetroSharky]

@MZip

I did say I would still report individual models that I think violate the rules but just going through the contests and reporting what I think are obvious violations could still conceivably get me banned. Why should I stick my neck out for a better MakerWorld when it could get it chopped off?

My argument is as follows: Is there any proof of that? Even the text from MakerWorld does not support your interpretation. On the contrary, there are regular discussions in the contest forum about how often something has been reported. Some users have reported more than ten incidents in one day and have not been banned.

Assuming your interpretation were correct, how do you think people here in the forum or on Reddit would react? But there’s nothing to read about it. I think we have to make a distinction here. I completely agree that the wording of the text could be more detailed.

@MZip

I don’t have metrics or guidelines to self-regulate.

Based on experience of this forum and Reddit, I would say that you are either underestimating or overlooking the size of hive mind - “metrics”. Asking a question beforehand usually solves many problems. I don’t need to tell you this as you’re a professional, but I think you’re making a problem out of something that isn’t one.

How many topics have been opened here about people being banned for reasonably reporting models? Regardless of whether MakerWorld rejected them? Who are these many users you are referring to in your mind who might have chopped off their heads?

I know some big creators who report models every day and post about it on Reddit, for example.

Incidentally, every other website handles it this way, whether it’s Google, Amazon, Steam, etc. You can find this in all terms of service.

Edit: Just to be clear: Yes, even though the regulations are now more explicit, misusing the reporting system has always been against the rules. Therefore, nothing has changed except the wording.

[Thud-oops]

So someone could enter a figurine of Billie Holliday, since she was classified as a “torch” singer?
(Pay no head to the person behind this post, to mis-quote the Wizard of Oz movie).

[MZip]

Don’t know what to tell you, Sharky. The other shoe just dropped. Every model I reported the other day was rejected. Who knew that table corner bumpers were “christmassy” (Ultra-Safe Corner Guard - Baby Proofing Bumper by FilamentOfMyImagination MakerWorld: Download Free 3D Models) That’s just one example. I have a bunch more if anyone wants to see how bad I called it. Here’s a christmassy t-rex. (T Rex flexi toy by Ronan MakerWorld: Download Free 3D Models) Also rejected.

At any rate, with all of my reports rejected it’s obvious my calibration and MakerWorld’s are very different. With them all being rejected, I’m possibly getting close to being banned if I was to do it again. But there wasn’t a warning either. I have no idea how much I upset the reviewers if at all. It’s all in the dark. Apparently the only way I’ll know would be to keep doing it and risk the wrath.

But I have my answer. I won’t be reporting anything else. You are certainly welcome to do as you wish. I’m just reporting my own experience.

This started out being a joke that quickly turned dark. I just thought the rules were funny in how absurd it was Bambu has to now specify these rules. The problem is the disagreement in how MW/Bambu interpret compliance vs us and the possible blowback from letting MW/Bambu make the call.

And that’s another thing. I wasn’t being malicious. I wasn’t deciding if models get pulled. I was only alerting MW/Bambu so they could decide. Again, I didn’t get a warning, but many here can testify to how actions were taken against them summarily and getting things sorted can be a pain.

I just don’t see sticking my neck out to try to clean up non-compliant models when this is the reception.

[MZip]

@RetroSharky

I know some big creators who report models every day and post about it on Reddit, for example.

I do hear you on this. People do report models and don’t get banned. What I did was during Thanksgiving down time where I was bored I just went through the Christmas contest and reported what I saw as noncompliant models. Apparently 65 of them because I had 65 rejections in my inbox and zero successful reports.

I’m sure some see table bumpers and flexi dinosaurs as the very heart and definition of Christmas but I don’t see the connection. If Bambu/MW do then it’s obvious I have no business telling MW/Bambu they don’t.

The results pretty well prove I wasted my time reporting the models. Again, not one report was successful. So against that backdrop, I should keep reporting models why? They don’t want my help so why should I force it on them and jeopardize my own standing?

Added - looks like the flexi dinosaur was actually removed from the printmas contest but not the bumpers. Apparently not from my report since that was rejected. At any rate, my decision stands. I’m done reporting models. It’s MW/Bambu’s house and they obviously don’t want or need my help.

[CincinnatiDesigns]

@MZip

Every model I reported the other day was rejected.

How did you report them? What was the rejection reason?

I just got a few come back last night.

There is a problem where they want you to report from the contest page instead of the model page.

Did you put in a reason for the report?

Something general like…

“This submission is not relevant to insert contest because it does not follow the contest guidlines and is not in the spirit of insert contest. This model should be removed to uphold the integrity of the contest.”

Something that reads well, but is general enough to copy and paste it when doing reports.

@MZip

Who knew that table corner bumpers were “christmassy” (Ultra-Safe Corner Guard - Baby Proofing Bumper by FilamentOfMyImagination MakerWorld: Download Free 3D Models)

Your calibration is way off. You must be insane to think that this is not relevant.

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. Jesus was a baby. Baby Jesus needs to be protected from sharp corners. Therefore, baby accessories are relevant to the contest.

Use some critical thinking. You’re embarrassing yourself.

""

Just to clarify, I am being a sarcastic asshole with the last statement

[RetroSharky]

@MZip

Apparently 65 of them because I had 65 rejections in my inbox and zero successful reports.

I know you’re a professional, and I ask this question with all due respect: Could the issue be you? Or, to be more precise: Did you fill out the applications incorrectly and incompletely?

Such a number is more than just unusual. I would almost say unique. As you know, you always have to bear in mind that just because you think something is against the rules, that doesn’t necessarily reflect MakerWorld’s stance. I mean, we all know that the rules are often vague and far from perfect, but the figures really speak against you now.

When discussing this topic, one thing should not be overlooked: irrelevant models are, of course, not going to be winners, however annoying they may be.

And of course, everyone has different experiences! That’s obvious! But it’s slowly becoming clear why you brought up the topic and what the context is. Again, though, so many people report models and post about it in the forum that it’s clearly successful, so you should change your strategy.

However, as mentioned, it is important to distinguish between the various aspects. I fully agree that irrelevant models should be removed from the competition. Nevertheless, this should be separate from the discussion about why reports fail. This is not criticism, but a suggestion to optimise youre process.

Now, especially when it comes to Christmas: remember that this is an international event, with different cultures, including Asian ones, that interpret it completely differently. I know that sounds harsher than intended, but if 65 reports are rejected, you need to consider whether there is a problem on your end.

And finally, I would like to point out that even if a model is initially visible in the competition, it still has consequences if it is irrelevant:

For each detected irrelevant model uploaded to the contest page, we will deduct 50 points from the user’s account.

If a single user violates this rule up to 3 times in total, this user will be banned from entering future contests.

Punishments for uploading irrelevant entries into Contests

Hi Makers, On MakerWorld, we hold weekly Design Contests to inspire innovation and creativity among our users. We’ve been impressed by the increasing quantity and exceptional quality of submissions each week. However, as our contests gain more attention, we’ve noticed a concerning trend. Some users are clearly uploading models unrelated to the contest theme intentionally to gain visibility, which is unfair to legitimate contestants and disruptive to users seeking theme-relevant models. To addre…

[MZip]

@RetroSharky

Such a number is more than just unusual. I would almost say unique. As you know, you always have to bear in mind that just because you think something is against the rules, that doesn’t necessarily reflect MakerWorld’s stance. I mean, we all know that the rules are often vague and far from perfect, but the figures really speak against you now.

I’ve actually had a very high success rate on reports until now. I agree that 65 reports is unusual but 65 rejections feels like a simple knee-jerk reaction instead of actually looking at the models.

I thought I explained the odd number before but the reason so many? I was sitting there enjoying the company but had nothing to do and am not into watching sports or parades. It’s the first time I ever submitted more than just a few reports. I was bored so thought I’d do something about the people who abuse the contests. That’s it. First time and absolutely the last time I submit any reports. It was an outlier because I was bored on a holiday and wasn’t into watching sports like everyone else. Sue me.

And sure, there are different interpretations of Christmas around the world. I get that. Can you tell us which cultures celebrate a Christmas t-rex or table corner bumpers? I know I’m ignorant of many cultures but I haven’t heard of one that celebrates the birth of t-rex.

Or what about a Rafael jet fighter cookie cutter in the colors of the French flag? Santa’s new ride, maybe?

I know you are suspicious of what models I reported but I can at least try to assure you I let a lot of models slide. I also looked at each model’s page and photos to see if there was any connection to Christmas - admittedly that I knew about - and I’m certainly no expert on Santa doing ground attacks in a Rafael fighter. Seems a bit out of character except maybe for Krampus (models I didn’t report because I understand different cultures have different customs, btw).

But let’s assume you’re right and my judgement on what makes a valid Christmas submission is way way off. That’s just more reason that I shouldn’t be wasting either MW/Bambu’s time or mine.

@RetroSharky

but the figures really speak against you now.

Do they? Or do they speak more to the environment and lack of enforcement? I’ve tried to explain and present my perspective but obviously you aren’t of a mind to believe me which is fine. I really don’t care what you think. I do care about being painted with the brush you are using, however.

I was careful to not report models that had any kind of connection to Christmas but putting Christmas into the title of a jet fighter cookie cutter doesn’t make it and doesn’t fit with my interpretation of the guidelines. Again, it’s only my interpretation and the reports were submitted to MW/Bambu for their rulings - not mine.

As I keep saying, it’s MW/Bambu’s house and their rules. I was bored and thought I was being productive but I was not. That’s why I say I won’t be bothering them any more.

You’ve told me I shouldn’t quit reporting models and that others do it all the time and yet you also say it’s my fault the reports were rejected and I’m apparently unable to tell what’s relevant for a Christmas contest. Which is it?

I don’t plan on posting links to all the models I reported (I have them all in the rejection emails) because this was never about brigading the creators. I gave a couple of examples. Tell you what, just go look at the Christmas contest entries and you tell us the count of how many you think don’t comply. Every one I reported was way outside the guidelines and I didn’t get even halfway through the whole set of entries. If your count isn’t greater than 65 I’d be very surprised.

But I have to emphasize these were only submitted for MW/Bambu’s review. My total lack of understanding about dragons or cable guides and Christmas is irrelevant. They made the call. Not me.

[RetroSharky]

@MZip

I thought I explained the odd number before but the reason so many? … I know you are suspicious of what models I reported but I can at least try to assure you I let a lot of models slide.

I think you have misunderstood me. The reasons why you reported them are not up for discussion on my side; rather, it is a question of why they were all rejected. You don’t have to justify your decision, but the question is: why were they all rejected?

The frequency and nature of your reports were not a cause for suspicion on my part, nor did I doubt them. How should I judge that? It’s not my place to do so, but the question remains: Why were 65 reports rejected? I think you’ve misunderstood my argument.

@MZip

I’ve tried to explain and present my perspective but obviously you aren’t of a mind to believe me which is fine. … I do care about being painted with the brush you are using, however.

Once again, I believe you; your credibility has never been in question. I have no idea why you’re making this personal now. I simply suggested that you reconsider how you write your reports, given that they are all being rejected. I have no idea how you could have misunderstood me and become so personal for no reason.

Perhaps you should read my comment again. I think you’ve taken a completely wrong turn. I would like to make it clear once again that you are the one putting yourself in this position of “being painted” and “suspicious”, not me!

It’s a shame that the discussion took such an unpleasant turn, just because someone said you should consider trying to writing the reports differently.