Correct way to post updated models on Printables
What is the correct way to post updates to a model you have published on printables.com? Especially if you have reworked it. Do you create a new model page and publish it with a version number? Or do you just update the current page and either remove or rename your older STL files? I did not see any kind of help section on printables.com with some kind of best practice when posting. Thanks!!!
RE: Correct way to post updated models on Printables
I can't claim to know what the "correct" way is (I highly doubt there is one) but I usually post updates by editing the current model page. I upload the new STLs/3MFs, in some cases I keep the old STLs around if I have reason to believe some people might find them useful, most of the time I delete them. I also add a note with the date and explanation of what was changed to the Details page.
This way, links to the model will still work and users will automatically get the new (and hopefully improved) versions. It also preserves makes, comments, and Prusameters.
I would create a new post if the model had very substantially changed, to the point that it functions very differently than the old version.
RE:
I am also not claiming this is the official recommendation but it is the way I handle it.
I agree, if there is not a good reason for having both versions uploaded at the same time (which in most cases in my opinion there isn't) I would simply upload the new files (with version number) to the existing entry, keep or delete the old files in that entry and put a Disclaimer at the very top of the description explaining the update and the reason for it briefly.
Putting x different versions of the same thing into the database just spams up search functions etc. Also, you'll get probably more traffic from keeping one entry because that one will retain its position in search engines etc and the initial visibility in the "recent" section in Printables is actually very short lived and negligible.
Mk3s MMU2s, Voron 0.1, Voron 2.4
RE: Correct way to post updated models on Printables
Thanks for the replies. That makes sense. Much appreciated.
RE: Correct way to post updated models on Printables
I updated my models and I put the older STL's in a folder named Older files. But I cannot seem to figure out how to drag the folder so it shows up below my new files. Any thoughts?
RE: Correct way to post updated models on Printables
You should be able to drag folders using the up/down arrow next to the folder name.
RE: Correct way to post updated models on Printables
I tried that and it would not move the folder. But I made a note about it so hopefully it is not too confusing. I may just remove the older files after a while. Thanks for the reply.