New portal for hobbyists

[MikolajH]

Hi All,

We are thinking about opening a place for modeleres where you would be able to share / keep all your 3D files you created and give access to them to others.

The idea is to create a marketplace dedicated for modeleres, where individual creators and artists have the option to share and monetize their work on one side and on the other, give the option to modelers to widen their collection and print new figures, vehicles and accessories for new builds and existing projects.

Why we write to you ? W are modellers but at the same time we are only 2 people with passion. We have some ideas what we would like to have in such "place" but we are also coming to you to get suggestions how you would see a space for modelers that will fit your needs. What features would be useful for you as a community and for you as a individual modeler with passion ? What values should this service represent?

We know there are websites where you can find some useful 3D models but at the same, and we believe it isn't only our impression, it takes a lot of time and effort to browse through useless and unrelated content.

Let start some conversation, we are curious of your thoughts. We want to do it with you and give you some new tool to ease your hobby.

 

[the Baron]

So basically a replacement for Shapeways.

 

[MikolajH]

Not necessariily but I wonder what part of Shapeways you like and what could be improved? All ideas welcome.

 

[Edbert]

I like the idea, I have accounts and bookmarks on many 3D file sharing/download sites, many of them are not free. But the issue there is none of them are scale modeling centric, so one must filter through all the pet-toys and kitchen-gadgets.

I think it would be nice to have such a place.

 

[Edbert]

what part of Shapeways you like and what could be improved

It is more focused on performing the printing (as a service) than housing/sharing files that folks can print themselves.

 

[MikolajH]

Because I have conversations on other forums as well and the first message does feel controversial I'd like to add some more info.

Let me introduce myself then, I've created ION Model brand from basically all aspects: ionmodel.com. Adding to that I work as UX/UI designer with 10+ experience in this field. I came up with idea of creating portal/marketplace dedicated for modelers due lack of such place.
It has more shape than just an idea but I'd like to gather some info what can be improved/added.

I also understand it looks suspicious when a new member is posting such content. It's because my modeling and scale modeling knowledge is gathered from FB and YT and friends, so I have not much time left to be active on forums.

 

[PatW]

I've bought a number of things from Shapeways, already printed and been impressed. But they have changed their methods. I'm not a 3D printer, so will be looking to see if/when they have a marketplace!.