I noticed that over the last few weeks, I’ve gotten hit my captchas when downloading individual stls. Nothing funky on my end - no VPN, same machine/ip/account logged in/etc. I’ll download stls for some models because the modified 3mfs can throw errors in some programs. This way, if I play to modify the model for myself, I can skip the annoying conversion step.
My theory is that they don’t account for number of stls files. So, if a model has 5 parts as individual stls, if looks like I downloaded the same “model” 5 times. Since the stls are in a list, I can just click one after the other, too, which might trigger a timing-based threshold. If they metered the downloads based on only the 3mf downloads, it would appear I’m just sitting on the paging spamming download.
The second possibility is that the large number of fake and spam/scam accounts are roping in other models to fuzz their activity. Download the same model 30x looks suspicious, but downloading 150 different models looks less suspicious. So, they grab some random models as they inflate their download numbers. If they’re running multiple accounts at once, it’s also possible their fuzz technique (how they choose the distraction downloads) synchronizes across all those accounts and pulls in innocent bystanders.
For example, the spammer has 10 accounts. They upload a model on Account 1. You happen to be the next person to upload a model. Well, they may tell Accounts 2-10 to download Account 1’s model, then the next model, then skip a couple models and download the 7th model, then Account 1’s model again. In theory, they should be making random downloads from across the catalogue, but it’s easier to just grab from the cached page.
So, could be bugs or bad luck. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
Heard back from support… 30 day suspension stands because “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused but our system has detected your abnormal downloading data in your account.”
I asked them again if they can at least tell me if this means that they believe I personally downloaded items or if it’s simply abnormal downloads of models I have uploaded. I also asked if their analytics are accurate as 170 downloads seems like an incredibly low bar to trigger a month suspension. I have a feeling I will get the exact same copy/paste response again.
It does matter though if you plan on spending time using their product. If it was me, I’d be pretty turned off onto using Makerworld as a designer. Not because they have implemented security like this, but because of their unwillingness to even work with you on the problem. The fact that you reached out to them should be the biggest clue that you are probably not one of the people they are trying to stop. A simple explanation to what they triggered on and on what model might even give you enough insight to see if there’s something you can change on your end to prevent it from happening again. This nebulous “abnormal download behavior” is a non-answer.
Also, I like that Deadpool and Wolverine headset holder you made . I’m going to have to make one for my son when I get some time on my hands.
I agree, but I really enjoy the community in general so I’m leaning into the beta aspect of all of this. Plus it’s still New Year for them so maybe they have interns running the ship.
Thanks for the props, I’m still really new to design and I primarily use Fusion 360; but I’ve made some good progress sculpting in Blender. (used Meshmixer prior) I really need to clean up my workflow though because I’ve developed some messy habits from jumping around through different tutorials. I also need to get some texture on the fabric… sitting here looking at it on my desk right now and that detail would really bring it all home.
That said, my wife requested that I model some of my daughters drawings so that’ll have to wait.
Today support told me that it was a matter of my models being downloaded rapidly which they considered score manipulation. Probably partially my fault as I had shared a picture of my Deadpool/Wolverine bust on social media and a bunch of folks asked for the link. Which made the model appear on the trending page… which caused more downloads. Still not sure how 171 downloads is manipulation though… not really enough to move the needle.
Glad to see they at least provided additional detail. Kind of verifies that it is related to the amount of downloads in a window of time. I imagine some number of those 171 happened quickly and triggered their system, especially soon after sharing your link. I’ve not been so brave as to share links to any of my handful of models since I’m still new to the notion of sharing anything I created. This would make me at least pause before I did though.
Yep, I think it must be a very rudimentary system that compares your average daily numbers and then flags you if you spike. Because I saw one user yesterday that posted a file and almost immediately had 195 downloads, I was chatting with them about something else and they have never had issues but always have a relatively high download total each day. I guess if you average 300 per day and you jump to 450 it’s only a 50% increase but if you average 20 and jump to 150 they see it as a big deal because it’s 500%. Certainly need to weigh the magnitude of change into their calculation. LOL
So I think they are broken here at Bambu Labs. I unboxed my brand new x1C on 04/04/2024 created my account in handy haven’t downloaded or uploaded a single thing.
. I’m going to have to make one for my son when I get some time on my hands.