A Note About the Use of Digital Model Files
Just a quick note about the use of digital model files in general, and specifically the files I provide through the Drydock website, and how I intended them to be used.
A great deal of time and effort goes into designing, refining, testing, and preparing these models and the associated files. When someone purchases a set of my digital model files from the Drydock website, the purchase is intended to provide that individual with the ability to use those files for their own personal projects.
That doesn't mean I'm opposed to people sharing their finished work. Quite the opposite — seeing the models being built, painted, displayed, and/or run as RC models, or otherwise enjoyed, is one of the most rewarding parts of creating them.
There is, however, a distinction between sharing your finished work and using a single set of digital files to produce multiple physical models for other people.
The files themselves are intended for personal use, so I would certainly be concerned if the files were being shared with others. My concern also extends to using those files to produce multiple physical models that are then given or sold to other people.
I know some people do use my files to produce models that they sell to others, but in those cases I am compensated for each model produced, recognizing the time and effort that went into the design.
I am also flattered when someone tells me they are donating a model based on my design, which they have also put a great deal of work into, to a museum. Donations to museums and charities are a different situation in my mind.
I'm not posting this to discourage anyone from enjoying the models or from sharing their enthusiasm for the hobby. Quite the opposite. I simply want to make sure that the considerable amount of work that goes into creating these files is respected.
When a single set of files is used to produce multiple models for other people, I have to admit that I feel the time and effort I've put into creating them is being taken advantage of.
I hope everyone can understand where I'm coming from. I want people to enjoy the models and the hobby, but I also think it's important to respect the work that goes into creating them and the personal-use nature of the files.
Thank you for understanding and, most importantly, for enjoying the models and the hobby.
Randy
A great deal of time and effort goes into designing, refining, testing, and preparing these models and the associated files. When someone purchases a set of my digital model files from the Drydock website, the purchase is intended to provide that individual with the ability to use those files for their own personal projects.
That doesn't mean I'm opposed to people sharing their finished work. Quite the opposite — seeing the models being built, painted, displayed, and/or run as RC models, or otherwise enjoyed, is one of the most rewarding parts of creating them.
There is, however, a distinction between sharing your finished work and using a single set of digital files to produce multiple physical models for other people.
The files themselves are intended for personal use, so I would certainly be concerned if the files were being shared with others. My concern also extends to using those files to produce multiple physical models that are then given or sold to other people.
I know some people do use my files to produce models that they sell to others, but in those cases I am compensated for each model produced, recognizing the time and effort that went into the design.
I am also flattered when someone tells me they are donating a model based on my design, which they have also put a great deal of work into, to a museum. Donations to museums and charities are a different situation in my mind.
I'm not posting this to discourage anyone from enjoying the models or from sharing their enthusiasm for the hobby. Quite the opposite. I simply want to make sure that the considerable amount of work that goes into creating these files is respected.
When a single set of files is used to produce multiple models for other people, I have to admit that I feel the time and effort I've put into creating them is being taken advantage of.
I hope everyone can understand where I'm coming from. I want people to enjoy the models and the hobby, but I also think it's important to respect the work that goes into creating them and the personal-use nature of the files.
Thank you for understanding and, most importantly, for enjoying the models and the hobby.
Randy
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