I have always been a fan of Sarwtin models way back to when there were only a few models listed such as the Mimiron head. Their attention to detail is astounding and the models are very well done. Recently however I came across their Warglavies of Azzinoth model and noticed that there was no free print profile. Ok no problem its probably a crowdfunded project like some of the other ones they have listed. When looking to view the crowdfunding page I noticed that the button labeled as “View This Project” is completely greyed out and in big bold letters it says "It’s a Patreon only model, so you can only get it from My Patreon." I also noticed you can purchase the model from the BoM page.
This is very confusing as I was under the impression that all models on Makerworld had to be either A) Free or B) a crowdfunded project. One of the options to report a model is linking to an external source to obtain the model which must mean its against terms of service. After a support ticket failed to answer my question and just told me to “check the crowdfunding page” I’ve decided to come ask here for clarification.
How is this model (and others) allowed to be on the platform while only being hosted on a paid Patreon?
How is author able to upload a model and keep the “View this Project” greyed out without a valid crowdfunding page?
How are you able to have a model for sale via the BoM page along with the lights and other parts needed to complete the model?
Any clarification would be great, If this is in fact allowed how is it done? I would love to be able to link all my paid/patreon exclusive models as well.
However, here’s the crucial part: Not enough was collected to unlock it, yet. To be precise, it is a stretch goal. The actual project was funded. A stretch goal must also be specified in the MakerWorld Ecco system, of course. So far, no problem - which brings us to the actual question:
Why does it appear that way?
Because it can still be unlocked as a stretch goal. If enough is raised - even if the project has already reached its goal - additional bonus content can be unlocked; this is called a “late pledge.
The way I see it, the model isn’t for sale; what you’ll find on that page is just a list of materials you can order. Incidentally, you can also tell from the list or the price: It doesn’t include a 3MF file - and I don’t think that would even be possible? If you want this model, you’ll have to go through the crowdfunding campaign.
However, if you just want to purchase the 3MF file, you can do so through his Patreon page. That way, you won’t have to wait for the “stretch goal” on MakerWorld.
But you’ve already figured that out on your own, and I’m just saying this for the sake of clarity: So there are two options: (B) crowdfunding + stretch goal through MakerWorld, or (C) directly through Patreon. But (A) that will probably never happen - after all, he wants to get paid for his work.
As far as I know, it is legitimate to offer (B) and (C), as long as it is not an exclusive model. Which is expressly not the case. None of his recent models are exclusive. Older models excluded.
So you’ll need to buy the model on Patreon and, if you want, the bill of materials (BOM) from MakerWorld. Or, as I said, alternatively, take route (B).
Because someone who’s already on Patreon is hardly going to want to crowdfund it again on MakerWorld - a BOM is enough for them. Otherwise, you’d just upset your Patreon supporters, and vice versa, users on MakerWorld.
Appreciate the response and this makes sense for this particular model but what about the other model I mentioned, the warglavies of azzinoth? I’m not seeing any associated Crowdfunding page at all and it seems the only way to get it is either through the BoM sale page or the paid patreon? It literally says on their page that this is a Patreon Only Model. The demon horns model also doesnt seem to have any associated crowdfunding page and is also listed as a Patreon Only Model with the only option being to either buy it from patreon or from the BoM page
also since the the bow model is designed to actually shoot arrows wouldnt this violate the no weapons policy? Dont get me wrong I understand its a prop as I also have a bunch of weapon related prop models its just confusing to me now whats allowed and whats not. What qualifies as a “weapon” at this point?
Unlike you, though, I don’t see the 3D model in the BOM list. I explicitly see the message: “Added via Model.” However, it doesn’t say that you’ll receive the 3mf file.
I suspect - though I have no proof - that there was a crowdfunding campaign, but the goal wasn’t reached, so it wasn’t activated by the system. That really seems to be a very special case. MakerWorld definitely shouldn’t display 3D models.
There must be something hidden somewhere - how he managed to sneak those models into the system.
There must be a suitable crowdfunding campaign somewhere, but it’s probably hidden, canceled, or still pending. Maybe even on purpose, just to display the models on MakerWorld without ever making them available. In this particular case, it really does look like someone is taking advantage of the system.
Maybe a crowdfunding campaign that’s hidden and will never go live - interesting. We should keep an eye on that. Nevertheless, I don’t see a clear violation of the rules, but it’s still interesting.
yeah that’s the real issue I’m having, I asked the creator directly via comments how to access and that I wasn’t seeing a crowdfunding page anywhere and the response I got was “its on the patreon dude” . but again you can purchase the BoM and receive the model which I’m very confused as to how that’s possible. Its also not possible to buy the model without purchasing at least something from the BoM as deleting everything from the cart material wise also deletes the model. theres even a post from them that says “NEW MODEL COMING SOON TO MY PATREON” with no mention of a crowdfunding whereas all the other posts specifically link to one
Could you please post proof that you get the model or 3MF file when you buy the BOM? I don’t see that. Not when I check it myself, and not in your screenshots either. As I already posted above, if what you’re saying were true, I’d get the model for 1€, which can’t be right.
I still don’t understand what makes you think you’ll get the model if you buy the BOM. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
After getting a response from Sarwtin via their comments you were correct, they said they had a crowdfunding project that didn’t pass the content review so they weren’t able to activate it. Just feels a little off to me, makes it seem like I can start a crowdfunding for any of my models and if it doesn’t pass content review I can then keep my model on platform and link to an outside source.
