Unjust point ban? :|

MakerWorld
1

(TL;DR: After saving up for a discount on an A1 Mini Combo, MakerWorld banned me from redeeming points for a month. I added print profiles to all of my models without them. In the process I downloaded all of the relevant STLs ONCE so I didn’t have to search through my cluttered file system to find them. Also read the clarification points at the end for more info.)

MakerWorld banned me :expressionless:

MakerWorld is a great platform. It has cool features, and the rewards are well worth it. I currently own 2 non-BL machines. One is an IDEX, so I can print 2 colors. It’s ok, but could definitely be better. The recent changes to the reward system are ok with me. I dislike the changes in how downloads are counted, but I’ve known a reduction in points was coming eventually. I currently have enough points for 2 giftcards and had 200-ish points in addition to that. I decided that once I got the third giftcard, I would purchase an A1 mini combo. This would end up being $279 if I used my giftcards.

Since I was wanting to purchase it soon, I decided to make print profiles for all of my models. for each model that didn’t already have a print profile, I downloaded both the STL and the photo. This would save me from having to find each file in my (very disorganized) file system. So I would then open the STL in Bambu Studio and copy my settings from the prints I’d done before. Upload the 3MF and the printed photo, and boom. This got me about 90-105 points as I had 15 or so profiles to make. I got the “First Profile” reward points for the first few, and the “Upload a print profile” points for a few. This all happened about a week ago.

On Monday or Tuesday I decided to start the process of redeeming my giftcards. It takes about a week, so I figured I’d do 2 now and do the other one when I got enough points. I hit redeem, confirmed, and forgot about it.

On Wednesday I was informed that I am banned from redeeming my points for a month. After appealing with the below message:

Hi!
I’m not sure why I was banned. I didn’t have multiple accounts or use fake downloads. It might have been the “excessive self downloading/liking/collecting” part, but I was collecting my models to be able to have them organized so it’s easier for me to find in the future. And other people can see the collections and find stuff. E.g. if they want a vase they go to the vase collection. To my knowledge this gives no boost in search and it certainly doesn’t give points. As for liking models, I’m not sure if you expect me to never like and download my own models? I’ve been doing it as each one is released, but I recently did a bunch of profiles for all of the ones without them, and rather than have to dig through my archive of STLs and my Fusion project files, I just downloaded stuff from the MakerWorld page. It might have been that I made too many profiles all at once, but they were all manually created. I went back and retroactively added them to models with no profiles. I only got a few points from it before I fulfilled my quota and didn’t get any more. I did this to help people out and make it easier to print my stuff. I intend to add profiles to the other models soon. Could you clarify the problem or look into it more? I am just waiting until I can redeem 3 gift cards, then I’ll buy an A1 Combo with a nice discount from them. I’ve been looking forward to multicolor for a while now!
Thanks,
Zammer 3D

They replied:

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused but our system has detected your abnormal downloading data in your account.

In your case, You downloaded your own model more than once, which looks like a behavior of points abuse.

As a result, your points redemption has been temporarily suspended for 1 month.

During this period, the decision will not impact your other activities other than points redemption.

We kindly request your patience during this period and remind you to adhere to our community guidelines for all future interactions.

I once again stated that I did not intend to break any rules and was certainly not attempting to get points by downloading my models.

Doesn’t the system automatically detect multiple downloads from the same user and not count them? I wasn’t trying to abuse points, I just downloaded stuff for the convenience of not having to find the STLs in my file system, which is rather confusing. I didn’t think this would count as downloads and I figured it was ok. Can you reconsider? I am planning on purchasing an A1 Mini combo soon, and I would rather not wait a month.

They responded:

Hi Zammer 3D,

Thank you for your response.

We understand that your intention was simply to make the downloading process more convenient and not to exploit any points system. We apologize for any confusion that may have arisen.

While we strive to provide a seamless user experience, it is worth mentioning that our system does have certain limitations in place to ensure fairness and prevent any potential abuse. Multiple downloads of your own models could inadvertently trigger our system’s algorithms, which might interpret it as an attempt to manipulate points.

We kindly request your cooperation in refraining from such actions to maintain a level playing field for all users.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and support in maintaining the integrity of our platform.

Best regards,
MakerWorld

This is the most recent message on the ticket. In the eyes of the community, do I deserve this ban?

I’ll clarify a few more things.

  • As I was writing the above, I realized now that they have implemented this annoying rule that only the first 5 models you download in a day get points, the majority of the models didn’t even get a download.

  • I already had downloaded each of my models once. If I see a model with no likes or downloads, I will not (in most cases) download it. I always start mine off by downloading and liking it right after I post it. I do this on my one and only account, logged in, and have done this for all of my models.

  • My file system is a complete mess, and it would have taken me two or three times longer to go through and find each STL and open it in Bambu Studio. I would have to find one of my models with no profile, so into my “STL” folder, navigate to the correct category, then any subfolders in that category, then find each STL and drag it into the slicer. I decided to just download the STLs from MakerWorld instead. If I had known this would be such an issue to download FIVE OF MY MODELS, I would have downloaded them in a guest window so the points don’t count. In my opinion a login should be required to download stuff so that ALL downloads count.

  • If this is such a huge problem and if they can indeed record the FIVE MODELS that I downloaded, why can’t they simply write it off as a mistake (WHICH IT WAS) and just remove the downloads from the record? Take the ZERO points I got too, I don’t really care. I’d rather have a multicolor printer.

  • I was under the impression that each user could only download each model once. E.g. If I download Model A, and a month later I download Model A again, that shouldn’t count as two downloads. I thought that this was indeed how MakerWorld worked. As I said, I had already downloaded each of my models when they were released.

This is really making me consider purchasing a DIFFERENT PRINTER, so BL you kinda screwed up in my opinion.

What do you guys think? Should I forget about it and use my giftcard for just filament, and not spend any extra money? I am perfectly capable of purchasing (for example) an Anycubic Kobra 3 combo, or maybe I’ll get an MMU for my Prusa. Or perhaps I’ll get a different BL knockoff. That’s fine, if you don’t want my money I can go elsewhere. This whole experience makes me want to follow the flocks of people who are leaving MW. Not leaving for not getting points, but for not being able to redeem them.

Edit: Yeah imma still buy an A1 mini :rofl:

2

Either take it as a learning experince and get over it or move on to a different platform.

3

Actions have consequences. As an adult sometimes the personal choices we make are not the right ones and we have to live with the outcome.

4

It’s entirely up to you. It’s only a temporary suspension for a month, and only on redeeming points. Learn from it and wait it out, or go buy another brand as you said. We could use some volunteers to go out trying other brands and keep us updated anyway :slight_smile: , in case we miss some good printers out there.

@MakerWorld : Can the system exclude designers’ download and print of their own models/profiles from counting? These downloads shouldn’t be counted at all, not even once. Then designers can download their own stuff as many times as they want.

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Threatening a company to buy a competitors product because they won’t give you free money isn’t the flex you think it is. Its also only 30 days and then you can redeem and get free money from them again. They explained why you got the ban, yes its a little lame, but they have to deal with a lot of scammers. Just because you tell them you aren’t doesn’t mean its true (not saying it isn’t).

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What I have learned from this is that I should have an organized file system, so my short cut to save me a couple hours doesn’t cost me a month.

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Something seems off here. First, downloading your own models isn’t inherently wrong. If they consider it fraudulent, they could easily implement a single line of code to exclude self-downloads from being counted.

Personally, I’ve downloaded all my print profiles myself (over 300) because I like having the thumbnail attached, though they recently changed that feature. I’m not complaining about not being banned, but there are legitimate reasons for downloading and printing your own models.

That said, accept the random and undeserved loss and move on. Life isn’t always fair, but you’ll be able to redeem your points in a month. I’ve been banned before without a legitimate reason, and I can assure you, fighting it isn’t worth the time and effort.

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Perhaps your likes on your own uploads also played a part of it? Even I think that’s weird tbh, and potentially exploitive as I’m sure it plays a part in rankings.

As for downloads, I don’t think downloads from the creator should count at all. I download all my profiles after uploading them, but for a completely different reason. I do it to make sure it imports correctly and to make sure I didn’t mess something up. Also, I know several people that use Makerworld just to make printing their own models easier as they can send them through the app. They should definitely have their system setup better to allow this without punishing users.

But you’re taking it too personally IMO. It’s also a bit arrogant of you to think you should be treated differently and that “BL screwed up”. I’m not even defending them, it just is what it is. It’s a bit like going into Walmart and telling the cashier you’re taking your business elsewhere because they wouldn’t take your coupon.

If 2 people at a store put something in their pockets, one intending to steal and the other fully intending to pay for it at the front.
The company policy is to ban anyone putting stuff in their pockets for 1 month to help mitigate theft.
What reason does the store have to believe the honest one over the dishonest one when they both tell the same story?

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I don’t think liking your own designs is weird. I like all my own designs. If I didn’t like them, I wouldn’t post them!

I also download all my own profiles; either to test them or just because it is more convenient to send to the printer from the app.

All that being said, I have never been banned.

It sounds like the system is automated and something was done to trigger it. It could have been the speed at which they were all downloaded? Maybe the sensed some automated tactic was being deployed? This is all speculation from my point of view, I don’t know anything about their process. All I know is I have done the same as you have written, but I am not banned.

I only have 4 designs currently. Working on another one this weekend (testing and photos). How many designs did you download at once?

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It was like ten? idk exactly. But yeah, why wouldn’t I like my stuff

icy 12

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7 Likes
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It was like ten? idk exactly. But yeah, why wouldn’t I like my stuff

I think MakerWorld already answered this question for you with a ban.

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Obviously I’m talking about the function of “liking”, i.e. the thumbs up button. It’d be akin to liking your own post here. Weird.

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Ah, I understand. Why are we even allowed to “thumbs up” our own stuff? Great question; it should be assumed that we would, otherwise we shouldn’t upload it.

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Idk, it’s also just a guess that it might possibly have played a smaller part in the suspension of redeeming points.

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If that were true, they just shouldn’t allow it in the first place! Just my opinion though.

18

I understand the frustration in regards to getting such a ban.
But I also understand the reasons.
What I don’t really understand is your way of doing things and handling it.

You download the images and STL files because you can’t be bothered to find them on your computer.
Hmm…
No offence but most people keep their models and other files a bit organised.
Downloading them often ?? For what purpose, or did you loose the ones you previously downloaded as well?
Not to mention the ORIGINAL files used to create the models.
One might even wonder if you have those original files…

Images CAN be a pain, I give you that one…
Hosters might delete them, you might not have bothered to give them meaningful names and in your own collection you have dozens of images for a project but only need one or two…
But then again: A passionate model creator and uploader would have those images together with the model files and their originals, like Sketchup, Blender, Fusion,…
Downloading images again usually means NOT getting the original files as quite often those hosting them will have made adjustments.
I would rather look for my files and only use downloading them from somewhere as a last resort - assuming those originals exist (no offence!)
You stated your file system is a mess and that you would have required about 3 times the time to find them - so about 2 minutes…

The thing that Bambu probably set off here was HOW you handled your points problem to begin with.
Downloading your models and images MULTIPLE times - which is counted…
Than you probably made a quick copy and paste job of the text and posted the modified version NEW rather than updating the original post.
" As I was writing the above, I realized now that they have implemented this annoying rule that only the first 5 models you download in a day get points, the majority of the models didn’t even get a download."
What does this have to do with anything ?

You fail to see how automated systems and rules work, so there is no need for your rant going so far as to state you no longer want a Bambu printer…
The entire platform is created around Bambu and having 3MF files with the models.
Did you provide those and if so, how did you test them without a supported printer?
You got flagged based on your actions and Bambu decided on a temp redeeming ban, no points taken, no pesky account restrictions, just a delay …
I don’t agree with a lot of what Bambu does or enforces but it is their platform, their machines…
So: Are you that angry because your messy files made you take a route that Bambu did not like?
Or are you really that angry just because you have to wait one more month to redeem all your points?
If it is the later then just suck it up, take it as a lesson and organise your files from now on - no harm done.

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Here’s a response to all of your guys’ replies. First off, thanks for the input! I personally don’t agree with the general sentiment, for obvious reasons. I’ll quote and reply to stuff here:

Yeah, it’s a mess, but I find stuff eventually. I didn’t download them often, IDK what you mean be that. Yeah, I have the original files, but some of them aren’t exported and I’d have to dig through my Fusion projects (Which have different organization then my STLs) to find them, then export them, which takes a few minutes even to export an STL.

A decent chunk of these were created as early as 2021, when I first started designing. I had no clue what I was doing, and didn’t start posting stuff until late last year. I had photos because I sell printed versions of the designs. This is the main reason for creating my models. I have 40+ designs (half of them aren’t posted), and haven’t yet felt the need to revamp my entire file system, although I do want to. I will definitely be looking into the best ways of doing this in the coming days.

Huh? I didn’t download the models for points, I made the print profiles for points (and for the convenience of users). Half of the profiles didn’t get me any points. I didn’t download the models and images multiple times, I downloaded the STLs once, and the image once. The images don’t matter though, they don’t give me any points or popularity when someone downloads them. I simply right-clicked and did “Save image.” And it shouldn’t be counted in my opinion. I thought it wasn’t.

Huh? I didn’t make a modified version of anything or make a new version. The only thing I’ve made a V2 of was the skateboard ramps. I designed a rail to add to them and took some real photos. When I originally posted them I had no photos as I had only printed them once for a friend. At the time photos weren’t required. Everything else I just added a print profile. As for images, I just downloaded the cover image and used that as the cover image for the print profiles. Images aren’t really relevant to this discussion. Downloads of an image aren’t counted or tracked.

I used the same settings that worked on my other printers. Basically the default profiles, but with modifications specific to each model, e.g. adding supports or enabling vase mode. I don’t do anything complex. Vases, pen cups, a button fidget, nothing too complicated to print. Nothing that prints in more than 5 parts.

TBH the image quality doesn’t matter too much as it is simply the tiny print profile image. The full resolution images are on the actual model page, so people will see those.

The ban was for “Manipulating download numbers”, but only 5 models were affected due to this rule. Out of the 10-15 models I made profiles for, only 5 of them even increased the download ticker. This is under a dollar across all of the models.

Yeah, I’m annoyed that I have to wait another month. I’ve been looking forward to printing with multicolor and have already started designing and coming up with ideas for it. I was hoping to get a discount on the machine in return for the dozens of hours I’ve invested into the Makerworld platform.

Yeah, exactly. If you don’t want us to like our own models, don’t give us the ability to. If you don’t want my downloads of my own models to count, then don’t count them. I wasn’t being sneaky and making more accounts, I wasn’t using a VPN, I was using the same account, email address, IP address, and network that I uploaded the models with. You know who downloads what, so don’t count them if 5 downloads across 5 different models is that big of a deal.

If I didn’t like my models I wouldn’t upload it, just like bill.m.davis said. Also, only 5 of those downloads were actually counted, keep that in mind. Due to the recent update, only the first 5 models a user downloads in a day get credit for that download.

IDK what this is supposed to mean, so feel free to clarify that. I’ve been on the platform for a few months, but used Printables for about a year now. Stopped uploading there because my model suspiciously got waaay less downloads (like 20+ to 8, then to 1-2) then it was each day, coincidentally right when I would start getting points again. That was the last straw for them. If you mean first time getting banned, yeah. If you mean first time getting in trouble with a multi-million dollar company for an accidental gain of like 2 cents? Yeah, that’s not something I do a whole bunch.

Exactly. If not downloader=designer{model.downloads +=1}. Easy. I just wanted to purchase an A1 mini, and I’d like to get it soon as I’ve already spent a bunch of time learning Zbrush and am purchasing a Blender course to be able to make better multicolor stuff. For me it is worth the time to fight it, I’ll have to wait a month to get my printer if I do want my discount.

Yep, lesson learned for sure, I’ll be revamping my file system and taking all-new photos.

Yeah currently eyeing the Kobra 3 combo, but I’d have to wait until July for that too as shipping is slow. I have a few Anycubic giftcards, but it’d still be more expensive. Still, I can add 2 ACE pros AND it’s a bigger bed, so it’s tempting :wink: And it actively dries the filament. Some features for BL to keep in mind :eyes:
And yeah, why is what I download counted? If it’s a big deal don’t let me do it. I’m not trying to game the system, I used my one and only MW account using the same computer, ip, network, email, etc as the ones I uploaded, as mentioned above. If i just logged out it wouldn’t have counted it, so just "if not logged_out and designer=downloader{downloads += 1}. Easy code to implement in a few seconds.

In my case I was not aware that there would be consequences for downloading my models. There should be systems in place to prevent the five downloads from counting, and I thought there were.

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I see, a bit like me, including numerous hard drive changes over the year LOL
So let’s just say that you took the easy way out and with no bad intentions, trying to do the right thing to please Bambu requirements.
And in return Bambu did not like too much of it.
You complained, you got their response, accept that a single user does not matter to them and move on.
You did not really loose anything, which is a good thing all things considered.
Bambu could have just removed all points or blocked your account.
Was it fair? Probably not…
Was it right? Depends on how you look at it and their constantly changing T’s & C’s…

Maybe I missed something due to no longer really uploading my models anywhere…
But shouldn’t the creator of a post be able to EDIT the post?
Have to admit that I don’t know how Bambu handles this at Makerworld but:
In the places I used to frequent I was able, for example, to replace or add files - without them being being counted in any way.
The logical way would be that YOU can do whatever you like with a post for a model and that none of this should affect any statistics unless you basically replace the lot.
A complete overhaul of such a post, be it for compliance reasons or to provide more details should also have no affect.
In fact it should be highlighted as such so users are aware the creator actually cares.
If you ask me then you your problem comes down to being in a world where our rights are GRANTED and where we have to do as told if we want to fit in.
Like it or not but the times where we could be creative for free and do what we like in the online world are long over.
Today only the money and control matter :wink:

If you don’t mind me asking here:
Do you see creating models and/or printing them as a passion or hobby?
Or is the need to have some monetary/freebie gain the real driving force here?
I have not checked what you uploaded and where, so I had to ask…
I learned some lessons the hard way and as part of this no longer offer models unless I actually want to share them without any limitations of any kind.
I design on a need base, not because I want another model I can upload somewhere or make money from.
And I gave up a long time aiming for and caring about likes, downloads, makes or what not…
Too many fakers, too many thieves, far too much hassle - FOR ME.
Most gift cards, vouchers and such CAN be transferred…
Ever considered trying this?
I mean, in the form of ‘exchanging’ them to get a better sum for a specific one or to just sell them?
There is places where you can upload models AND offer printed models or other creations.
Including paid options.
The benefit here is that you won’t have to bother too much with uploading things to numerous sites.
Just create a matching Youtube channel or FB page to promote you models with links included :wink:
Using lots of tags on all sites means search engines will find you if a person looks for specific things.
You might be surprised how quickly this can add up to real numbers…
If the model/print is any good and the price fair it WILL find people - been there done that…
Best of all: You are not bound by vouchers, coupons, points or such to spend money you never got only on the products of the hosting site, you get real money you can spend anywhere…
Perhaps you have been looking at tit all from the wrong angle ? NO OFFENCE !!

21

You have to remember that MakerWorld is in beta. I also had a 30 day ban because of abnormal downloads. I believe this was related to a model I published that got popular quickly, so my average downloads when from 3-4 per day to 100 per day. IMO a normal human review would have seen this was legit traffic but the temporary ban stayed and that’s fine. It’s beta and beta things will happen.