I noticed some users spamming profiles with the title “Updated” or “Extra Strength” and it’s working to trick users into thinking that those profiles are new versions of the design and/or stronger.
In reality, the profile is exactly the same, there are no (or minimal, if at all) changes in their profile. On top of that, they’re using the images from the designer as their printed pic.
Here are 2 accounts (that look like the same person or from the same group):
I’ve reported a large handful of their profiles and accounts, but as I type this they’ve both added 5+ more profiles. I’m mostly posting this to help make sure a MakerWorld moderator sees it and to let y’all know since it seems they’re doing it to all trending models.
The same thing just happened to my model tonight. I hope Bambu can do something about it. I also wish that the creator of a model has some control over approving or rejecting other people’s print profiles.
I used to spend an hour a day reviewing each new model added for issues. I reported errant print profiles on behalf of other designers.
This amounted to several thousand reports.
The lack of proactive action by the staff never failed to astound me. I would report 20 of one account and point out there were 50+ more, suggesting the review the entire account and they never did.
I started asking them if they require me to report each individual entry, they never responded.
In the early days they would report back on each one, successful or not, then it was only if they were successful, then only the successful ones if I was the first to report them.
Nothing proactive ever. MW has publicly stated they do the last time I mentioned this, yet, I have proof they don’t.
I still report issues, but nowhere ear the evils I used to.
They lost a free worker because of their own attitudes. I didn’t need any thanks, just an indication that my efforts were seen as their starting point to act.
Those two have been very busy. Like the others we’ve seen you can almost follow their progression and see where they decided it was easier to cheat. Here’s what the progression SHOULD be:
Upload some simple models of items you created for yourself to solve problems around the house.
Realize you enjoy creating and start making models that you think other people would enjoy.
Create a model that is semi-successful and get a feeling of accomplishment when you see people’s comments and boosts.
Finally create a model that is so successful that you earn enough points to get a gift card from that model alone.
Win/Place in a contest and feel like you are on top of the world.
Attempt to de-throne @Josh-3D as king creator and finally get that sweet, sweet green checkmark.
Unfortunately the progression I see with many of the users that get mentioned here is:
Upload basic geometric shapes with no pictures.
Realize you’ll never get enough points for an A1 that way so you start uploading other people’s models, usually from other model sites. Or if you feel guilty doing that just upload free STLs like the ones that come on the printer.
Realize that isn’t working either so you just start re-uploading print profiles with pictures from the reviews or the creators own pictures. They do this on the very popular models and now add sneaky words in the description to make you think it’s the best profile.
Finally get enough points to get a FREE A1!
I doubt any of them will ever get to #4, but maybe, just maybe during that evil timeline they will give up their life of crime and move back to the good timeline.
I am new to MW, after just getting a P1S, and have started to port my Printables stuff here. Same username (and pic).
This is a bit of a different world than with Printables with the profiles. Definitely easier for your average person, but a bit more frustrating for someone like me that likes to set their own profile when printing (since many that I have found are custom for the end user). For example, my first print on my P1S was a cuddly bear print, but for the detail I wanted, I had to print 3 of them. When I figured out the process of getting Bambu Studio and then pulling down the file, I made my own print profile (though did not upload it).
I think that is the problem there. I have not looked closely at the point system here, but in Printables, it was based on people liking and downloading your model, not specific profiles. Not trying to change the system, but I can see how it can easily be exploited. If the ‘points’ come from printing the profiles, then the creators of the actual models are getting screwed.
There are also points given for downloads, those always go to the designer. I have created a few print profiles for prints that did not have a print profile as this allows people to print from Bambu Handy. I have given the points from those to the designer. (I may have missed that checkbox on a few, but I always try to remember to select it).
As of now, the two accounts I linked are still active, however, all their profiles that were intentionally misleading are removed.
I’d prefer the accounts be banned since the profile abuse was not accidental but intentional cheating, but at least it seems that this behavior is being punished through profile removal
