I completely agree. Also listing these types of files would be way more time intensive as you need to do full assembly instructions, lots of pictures or possibly a video. I have a lot of files like this that I haven’t shared that have between 20-50 parts. They are highly functional but would require time to print, assemble and some would need soldering.
In a completely neutral manner, I would like to remind us all of the news from April, when the problem should have been resolved. Past experience also shows how effective such actions have been, or not.
"Another problem with a popularity-based incentive system is that it is relatively vulnerable to abuse. MakerWorld has been battling bots since day one. At its peak, over 6000 fake accounts were registered and banned in a single day…
None of the above proposals were approved, but we learned a lot through the discussion, and they inspired a list of principles we want to follow:
1. Let the users, not the moderators, judge which model are more valuable.
2. Encourage users to make serious judgments by giving them limited tokens.
3. Link the tokens to currency so users can show their support to the designers they appreciate.
4. MakerWorld pays for the tokens so that all the models can stay free."
Therefore, the first rule from the last update has already been broken, as it is no longer just users who decide. an AI or automatic system now plays a role too. I’m in favour of improvements, but the number one rule announced last time is currently not being followed.
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This whole thing just feels like Step 1 of “make rewards less valuable over time”. Step one with Starbux Stars / Airline miles/etc is to obfuscate how earning or spending works and how much the points are really worth.
Eventually makerworld can’t keep funding the points at this rate. They’re clearly looking to exert more editorial control and they’re violating their own principles of letting users decide here. While this change might benefit me personally I still do not like it. It’s a heavy handed “we know best” moderation approach. They’re free to do what they like with their incentive money, of course, but this just feels like more and more “guiding” behavior until they get what they want to see out of the program. There are other ways to fix this, including actually acting on abuse proactively instead of relying on 3rd /user party reports which leads to totally arbitrary and capricious enforcement of the rules, which, themselves, are totally arbitrary and ever-changing.
Makerworld is becoming less and less of an interesting place to put things for me.
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How is this supposed to work? Will we get a point once a day, a week? How are we supposed to know which models are popular when there are so few opportunities to find out exactly how this new system works?
I think it will be one per day
As for the other questions I guess we will find out
I’m not saying I’m unhappy with this but the amount of times makerworld has declared me a bot and forced me to do a captcha for having more than one tab open drives me nuts and I am totally looking forward to being repeatedly penalized for the high crime of browsing the website
Agreed, and feels like an easy fix. MakerWorld already asks if a model is a remix. Might as well expand this into a few categories (including fan art), with different rules for points and appropriate licensing choices (if I don’t own the IP, the rights I can grant to others are pretty limited).
Maybe it’s two orthogonal concepts (fan art vs. remix), since fan art can also be a remix, but logically it feels like a similar type of distinction. At the end of the day, it comes down to who owns the rights to the model itself, and who owns the rights to the subject of the model.
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I appreciate the effort you’re putting into improving the rewards system, but there are a few points that I believe deserve more attention. First of all, I’d like to ask: why not put your decisions up for judgment by the users? Most creators spend hours and energy on their projects, and often these models not only enrich the platform but also help promote your business. If the goal is to reward creativity and quality, wouldn’t it be fair for the users themselves to have a say in how points are distributed? After all, we, the community, are the ones determining the value of a project, so it would be nice if the decisions regarding evaluation criteria were more democratic and shared.
Then, I wonder: have you ever asked yourselves what the users really want, instead of just deciding what’s best for you? It’s crucial that the choices made by those behind the platform never overlook what creators appreciate and are looking for. Otherwise, we’ll end up with a system that doesn’t reflect the reality of those who work on the ground every day.
Moving on to the issue of complex projects, it seems there’s an excessive focus on this criterion. It’s true that more complex models require effort and skill, but why should we reward projects that, while difficult, don’t actually meet a real need or interest the users? Sometimes what really matters is the utility and impact of a model, not its complexity. A project can be incredibly complicated, but if it doesn’t spark interest or isn’t practical, why should we insist on considering it more worthy? True creativity is also found in simplicity and effectiveness.
Furthermore, I don’t believe the system should force the creation and printing of complex models. Users should be free to choose what they print, without feeling obligated to do so just because a model is considered “challenging.” If something isn’t liked, we shouldn’t force anyone to print it just because it’s complex. 3D printing is also about interest and applicability, and if a model, even if difficult, isn’t useful or in demand, it makes no sense to reward it disproportionately.
Lastly, I expect full transparency regarding the criteria that will determine the distribution of points. If there are no clear and accessible rules for everyone, it will be hard to understand whether the rewards are truly fair or if there are unclear mechanisms that could favor some and penalize others.
As Albert Einstein said, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” And that’s exactly what I fear could happen if we don’t work to ensure that the rewards system is truly balanced, clear, and fair for everyone. We don’t want to live in an illusion of fairness, but in a system that genuinely rewards the value and passion behind each project.
I hope these thoughts can help make MakerWorld an even better place where all creators truly feel appreciated.
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Do you believe that users are being forced to print certain items?
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The discussion is great, but I really become nervous because of @thatcaddad is typing message all day long here 
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@Tim_Bricker fr bro is gonna drop an entire thesis on our collective bholes.
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I wouldn’t say that users are forced to print certain items, but I do believe there’s a certain pressure that comes with the way the rewards system is structured. When the focus is mainly on complex models or on models that check off certain boxes for points, it can lead to creators feeling like they need to produce a certain type of design to be rewarded fairly.
This can sometimes discourage the creation of simpler, more practical models or things that are just fun, but don’t necessarily fit the “complexity” mold. Users should be free to print what they find useful, creative, or enjoyable, without feeling like they have to follow trends set by the rewards system.
Ultimately, I think the system should encourage diversity in design and creativity, not just complexity for the sake of complexity.
Hi,
Today marks my first day in 1.5 years without any points. I’ve always put great effort into my photos and designs, paying close attention to the details — even when it comes to optimizing prints to use as little material as possible. My focus has always been to give my community the best possible experience.
I take all of my own photos to ensure that people see the actual final product, not artificially enhanced renderings or AI-generated images. Authenticity is important to me.
Unfortunately, it seems that this kind of dedication is no longer valued under the new update. I truly hope that things improve over time.
Now the points are awarded at 22:00 UTC+0, but today’s points have not yet been awarded.
It isn’t 22:00 UTC yet, you still have two and half hours.
It will be 23:00 BST, in the U.K.
Two other thoughts come to mind.
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We are considered creators by MW, we are chumps who hand over designs for the promise of points that dwindle outside out control.
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Maybe we are all going to get extra, rather than less.
Actually now I’m a bit worried, I’ve been downloading EntroisDimensions’ Pokemon Multicolor designs… he’s got 200+ so far and i just hit the 100 mark… I hope this doesn’t count as download manipulation…it’s literally “Gotta Catch 'em All”.
But seriously though, I’m a Data Hoarder, I don’t just add stuff to collections, I Download the profile and Screenshot the listing (to get any instructions).
I don’t use any tools to download, just a lot of tabs and a lot of clicking!
imagine this…these forums will still find a way to get mad though!
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I know I will.
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This is actually exactly what I think. That MW will carry out a serious purge of cheaters and will make it more difficult to submit repetitive projects, like keychains and coasters (reduced point rewards). And if the budget ultimately stays the same, then everything will be fine for those creators who don’t spend just half an hour on a single project. But for now, it’s all just speculation. Only time will tell. Maybe we should wait and see first?)
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Problem is, for the last 2 years that’s all that’s been encouraged.
As you say, certain pressures that come with a rewards system have meant that it was almost a meme to see a creator release another The Last Filament Clip You’ll Ever Need (V3) (2025 remake V2) (Updated March 2025) just because they were shy on points and needed a quick cash-grab
the problem with that though? there’s a lot less friction for the end user to download and print it, you don’t need to order parts or a specific type of filament.
Did it work? the app is already asking for your review, just hit 5 stars and move along. It’s super easy, and therefore a great opening for abuse of the system
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Simpler, more practical models were always going to do better than larger, more complex or involved models because of that ease. They have always been ahead due to shear numbers, so these system changes are meant to level the playing field not prioritise a certain type of design.
as an FYI, Cyberbrick benefits from this new push greatly, as those designs are more complex, and start to involve moving parts and maths and stuff
Edit:
i know you will haha
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