Printables.com: Unreasonably disqualified from contest?
 
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DeadCat1337
(@deadcat1337)
Active Member
Printables.com: Unreasonably disqualified from contest?

Hi!
Recently, I submitted my new design to the "Single Extruder - Dual Color" contest ( https://www.printables.com/contest/452-single-extruder-dual-color ). Today, I received a notification stating that my model "was disqualified ... for not meeting the contest criteria". The model in question is this: https://www.printables.com/model/1014480-cute-articulated-starship

I wrote an email to [email protected] about how and why it happened, but still got no answer. So, I decided to ask here as well.

This model is "divided into 2 parts for printing in different colors on a single nozzle machine" (which is stated in the summary!). It does NOT require filament swapping or multi-material printing. The two parts of the model can be printed separately and "interlock to create a dual-color model", just like the contest description says.

I've also checked "Terms and Conditions" for flash contests in general ( https://blog.prusa3d.com/introducing-flash-contests_61600/#terms ). And my design is totally fine with them: I provided renders and photos, all models are perfectly printable, in the right orientation, description is clear; I am the original creator of the models and it was uploaded "during ... flash contest window".

So, what's wrong with it? Why was it disqualified?
Also, can I submit it to the contest again (there seems to be no restriction)?

Posted : 24/09/2024 8:43 pm
DeadCat1337
(@deadcat1337)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Printables.com: Unreasonably disqualified from contest?

Well, since there was no official answer, I tried to submit it again because I believe it meets all the contest criteria, as described above.
However, I couldn't do that with "verse.graphene_validation_error.print_cannot_be_added_to_competition" error.

So, I'm still waiting for the explanation.

I also wonder how this works. Was it a moderator's decision? Or was there a report, and the model was disqualified automatically without further checks? Or am I missing something, and this design is indeed invalid for the contest? Or was it some kind of mistake?

Posted : 25/09/2024 3:55 pm
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

This is a user to user forum, Prusa staff rarely visit so nothing here is official...

The entries must be original designs; yours is a miniature copy of another's design and there is a representation of a commercal trademark on it to which I doubt you hold the rights.

Cheerio,

Posted : 25/09/2024 7:31 pm
DeadCat1337
(@deadcat1337)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Printables.com: Unreasonably disqualified from contest?

Thanks for the answer, but what do you mean by "yours is a miniature copy of another's design"?
I made this design completely from scratch. You won't find any other design with the articulated flaps, for example, or with such separation between two colored parts, or such engines, or even with such proportions (I haven't checked though, but I'm pretty sure it's true, since I designed it by eye). 

You may be right about the trademark though. But, in this case, why was it just disqualified from the contest and not deleted completely? Besides, there are some models on Printables with much more accurate logos.
So, I'm still waiting for an official answer. Hope, I will receive it before the contest ends...

Thanks for the guesses anyway!

Posted : 25/09/2024 8:19 pm
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

but what do you mean by "yours is a miniature copy of another's design"?

You copied one of the iterations of SpaceX's design.  'though you might argue that SpaceX themselves copied it from a blend of Buck Rogers, Dan Dare and Tintin.

I have never understood why Printables accepts so many trademarks, especially as almost all of them are 2D.  I think only Honda have actually objected but all of them could be used for passing off and other offences.

Cheerio,

 

Posted : 26/09/2024 1:05 am
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DeadCat1337
(@deadcat1337)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Printables.com: Unreasonably disqualified from contest?

You copied one of the iterations of SpaceX's design.  'though you might argue that SpaceX themselves copied it from a blend of Buck Rogers, Dan Dare and Tintin.

Ahh, in that sense...
Well then I can go even further to the point (of no return) where I would argue that they copied it right from the pure Platonic Idea, that has existed forever and ever, to the real world. Hmm, however, in that case, this my design (as well as any other) is also a copy of one...

But, seriously, jokes aside, am I missing something? Is there any real reason why it should be disqualified?

(Also, sorry for the off-topic, but is it normal, that all my messages here posts with "Awaiting moderation" mark and become publicly visible only after several hours? It started with my very first message, which is this top post. I am kinda new here.)

Posted : 26/09/2024 1:49 am
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

I'm just speculating re the central design 'though I'm pretty sure about the logo.

Your first few (10?) posts will require moderation as an anti-spam measure  Once you have proved to be harmless you will be whitelisted.

Cheerio,

Posted : 26/09/2024 5:09 pm
DeadCat1337
(@deadcat1337)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Printables.com: Unreasonably disqualified from contest?

Your first few (10?) posts will require moderation as an anti-spam measure  Once you have proved to be harmless you will be whitelisted.

Thank you!

Btw, I've noticed, that this my Starship somehow got rehabilitated today. It's in the contest again.
Funny though, I got absolutely no notification about it. Just randomly visited its page and noticed "In the contest" mark.
I also haven't received any answer/explanation about the initial disqualification reasons (and it still would be nice to get it: I plan to participate in such contests again in the future and would like to know how to prevent such events).

But, thanks to the Printables team anyway, I guess!

Posted : 26/09/2024 5:46 pm
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