Aren’t you guys annoyed at thingiverse (besides them claiming to own whatever you upload to their site -is that true anymore?) because as you modify a project you have to go there and delete old images you have uploaded, replace STLs with latest versions…etc
I am seriously thinking to host my projects on github only but then there is no way someone can visualize the STLs from within github, besides them downloading the zip file or cloning the repo (how many can do that?).
What is your ways to host your open-source projects online and have an easy way to synchronize your local work with an online repo that a user can browse, view, etc…
Maybe such a thing doesn’t exist yet and I’m blabbing in vain here…
You can always post your projects to https://www.youmagine.com/
I tried, have a user there but thingiverse is better, easier, faster…
Also youmagine doesn’t have anything from what I’ve described. They are basically “a more honest thingiverse”, or so they claim.
Yes I agree that there are amateurs and I still consider myself one as this is just a hobby and I don’t do it professionally but I myself like to have a look at other’s work and get inspiration from bits and pieces I see online. If I can view that design in 3D (STL, whatever) I am even more glad. I post many designs on sketchfab and many times I find myself rotating my design over and over until I spot the mistake.
So there are a few reasons why I want my design out there, for a critic eye from others, for inspiration, etc.
And I also believe that it’s other’s responsibility too to read the WIP status or exercise some critical thinking before printing what they don’t need or understand… you can’t protect everybody.
Makerbot and Thingiverse hate has sometimes exceeded the facts of the situation. I’m no fan of them, but I’m less a fan of distorting facts and against spreading misinformation. The legalese didn’t claim ownership of your design. You needed to grant them permission to display your objects and to allow them to offer the files to other users, as well as do other things normally done in the operation of a large site/service such as theirs. And some of that is even to allow them to store your files on third party content distribution networks (CDN), which is a good thing that allows for improved download speeds.
@Jeff_DeMaagd is correct, there has never been any real issue with the Thingiverse ToS or content rights. It only gives them permission to do normal site functions with your content, such as hosting it, and printing it so they can “feature” it on the front page. The whole thing was completely misunderstood and/or fabricated by people looking for more reasons to dislike Makerbot.
And no, there isn’t really a better model hosting site unfortunately. TV has so much momentum that it will be completely dominant for the foreseeable future.
To second someone else, YouMagine is another site I often upload to. Beyond that, it’s too much work to post to others. If you’re looking for a specific model, Yeggi might help. I tried Pinshape, but it’s sluggish because it tries to be too fancy with animation which consumes wall clock time and not necessarily computer power. Maybe you’ll like it.
I generally agree with what everyone is saying but I would like to add a few points. As for works in progress, I believe they shouldn’t be uploaded to model sharing sites like Thingiverse unless you’re looking for community input or you’re abandoning the project. As for using another site, the problem is that Thingiverse is the most expansive platform for 3D models. Whether you’re looking to showcase one of your designs or find one, you’ll get the most viewers or find the most results on Thingiverse. As far as Thingiverse owning your models @Jeff_DeMaagd is correct and even so, if you’re worried about someone stealing your designs than you shouldn’t be posting them online in the first place.
Like I said, I am always looking for community input (everyone should) and no one really knows when a project will be abandoned (pretty fatalistic I know, but it is a valid point) due to whatever reason. By your rules I believe everybody should post their designs online.
I am not worried about what might happen with my designs as I don’t intend to commercialize them but I care about the ethical aspect of a company.