Printables feature request - Ability to alert model downloaders of upgrade/improvement made to model
Not sure where this should be posted so doing so here. I have a couple of 3D models placed on printables.com some time ago, and that I have updated/upgraded/improved. It would be nice to have a means of alerting users who have previously downloaded the models that there is a newer version that may be of interest to them.
JG
RE: Printables feature request - Ability to alert model downloaders of upgrade/improvement made to model
It's a good idea, but it could end up generating a lot of email that people don't actually want, particularly in the case of popular models which have gotten a lot of downloads. One thing I have suggested in the past which I think would be useful, is the ability to follow a model rather than a designer, so you could choose to be notified when a model is updated.
RE: Printables feature request - Ability to alert model downloaders of upgrade/improvement made to model
I totally love the idea. I don't really care how exactly it's implemented - both approaches above sound perfectly OK for my needs.
RE: Printables feature request - Ability to alert model downloaders of upgrade/improvement made to model
This has been discussed a few times before, and it's still as desirable to have as an option. The obvious issue is what constitutes an "update"? There's a range of changes to a post, from updating an STL file to improved assembly instructions to typo corrections. Just sending an alert when *anything* changes is perhaps overzealous. My personal preference as a designer is probably for a subscribe button on the model page for anyone interested in staying informed a our updates PLU a notify button for the designer that sends an alert to anyone who has subscribed.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Printables feature request - Ability to alert model downloaders of upgrade/improvement made to model
Yes, exactly. It would have to be something that the designer of a model can explicitly trigger. It should also be possible for the designer to add some informative text that tells subscribers what exactly has changed.
On the model page, this should automatically update a changelog by adding a new version.
RE: Printables feature request - Ability to alert model downloaders of upgrade/improvement made to model
I think the "subscribe" or "follow" options on a per-model basis make the most sense. Allow the model author to trigger an update alert to followers/subscribers at their own discretion. No external email - only internal notifications.