I’m not sure to what degree the download or print metrics play into the decisions. My first upload and first contest entry was for the Mother’s Day contest. I didn’t place in any of the positions but still had more downloads and prints than the first place winner. The second place winner smoked us all several times over. (I had no expectations, mind you, this was my first try at any of this.)
Perhaps the metrics play some role, but the metrics alone didn’t drive the winners list. If they had any significant bearing, the second place winner would have taken first.
Maybe if you gathered ten people in a room with a table of 50 pre-printed entries and without foreknowledge of who designed what and what was trending… maybe they chose their favorites and that was that. I have no idea.
But I do believe the judging process is more personal than just sorting in favorites order.
While metrics like downloads and likes can be helpful indicators of success, they are not the only factors to consider.
I experienced this firsthand with a model of mine that was uploaded just a month ago, at the beginning of a contest (openscad).
Despite having impressive download and engagement numbers, it “only” won 40$.
At least you got a mention in the openscad contest.
2 of my 5 entries where place in the trending first place for over a week each, even for some of them I found out that some 3d content creators where using the customizer in therir youtube/tiktok videos.
And in the end I didn’t get a single mention. I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of dissapointed, speacially when you see that 4 of the 12 winners are “boxes”
I was bummed about the results too, but like many others, I know it’s part of the process I’m not giving up on my 3D modeling passion. I’ll keep creating and maybe even enter some contests down the road. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll even make it to the top!
I was also a bit disappointed with the OpenSCAD contest. I wasn’t expecting to be one of the winners, and to be honest, I didn’t even expect to be in the “Excellent Participation” mentioned models.
(and none of the above happened )
I designed a “box” and a soapbox for this contest, and I created them from scratch.
What I don’t understand is, if one of the key points to be awarded is
Be creative and original! The judges will be looking for models that are unique and eye-catching,
how is a rework of a Gridfinity box considered original?
I haven’t been involved with 3D printing for very long, and it’s not my main focus, but I’ve seen Gridfinity boxes (created with OpenSCAD) long before the beginning of this contest.
Okay, that’s my daily rant. I can go to sleep now.
…And not only as someone said, some model got, get and will get featured model status during competition, but even get the “POPULAR model” status and EVEN IN MAKER’S SUPPLY they put models actually enrolled in the contest!!! That’s not only UNFAIR… it is something worse, even indescribable.
I wrote to bambu, I said it’s unfair that some models are continously shown in the home page, at the first places, while they are enrolled in a contest and now… look at what happens in Halloween contest 2024, i share a screenshot…
I also respond to those of you who say that a model should not be penalized by the fact that it is entered in a contest: Well, “being entered in a competition” should instead entail restrictions in terms of visibility at least until registration closes. and participants just should agree!! Partcipating in contests it is a choice that is made in complete freedom , not a forced one and therefore good rules of “sportsmanship” should be followed.
Yes, because increasing the views of just a few models is like DOPING in sport. Neither more nor less. It is said that the judges do not allow themselves to be influenced, that they favor certain aspects that are not downloads, likes etc. But we all have eyes and brains and know how to use them. I will continue to maintain (and this is clearly valid for ANY SITE where this happens and not just bambulab) that when you are in a competition you should NOT in ANY way be advantaged (or disadvantaged) even by using the smallest of details to do so and even if this happens involuntarily.
Bambulab does great machines but their makerworld site ( and now shop also) turned out to be wrong and should absolutely be corrected.
Am I alone in thinking judging in contests could be improved. In the recent Puzzle competition, I have no issue with the winner, but the criteria of original puzzle does not seem to fit a copy of a Davinci Cryptex (many all over the web) an optical illusion, a skill game of topping cats (a game and far from original) and a copy of a commerical MB Games toy (Downfall).
I understand where you’re coming from regarding originality. The theme of both puzzles and brain teasers broadened the scope quite a bit more than what you might be thinking. The game I entered does share mechanics with Downfall, but I spent considerable time redesigning it with a fresh theme to align with the brainteaser and puzzle theme of the competition as well making something that just looked nice to print. Downfall has been out of production for 20 years, and I believe its unique challenge and brain-teasing aspect fit the contest’s criteria well. I always try to enter contests with designs I feel are in line with the theme, and I thought this one brought a fresh take on a forgotten classic. Thanks and have a wonderful day!
I’m not giving up on my 3D modeling passion. I’ll keep creating and maybe even enter some contests down the road. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll even make it to the top!
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