Releasing SU model
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I very very rarely release my models. I will export quick, low fps animations for long distance spec'ing and review.
I think I have let 2 models go, and then, and this may be a little nasty, I will explode everything.
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My modeling is so far mostly an extension of the cadd work I do for my architect clients, study models, sometimes quite detailed, to be used for presentations to the architect's clients using SU Viewer. Coming from this different direction it is expected the models, like a physical model, is bought and paid for (so I still regret Google's free SU policy and especially wish that my pro files could be locked or that Viewer had a distinct file extension).
Consequently, I am in the position of competing with their in-house staff for future work on the models sent, just as I am with the cadd work I do...and trusting they won't farm out my model starts to other contract laborers.
When I do (rarely) work on spec, I make it clear the model is mine until paid for, and have a signature and copyright symbol component I hide a few places in the model...though it would be rare for me to find out since my clients range from 150 to 1,500 miles away.
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@tomsdesk said:
and have a signature and copyright symbol component I hide a few places in the model....
Hey Tom... on a side note.... How do you do that? or what does it look like?
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Tina...this is what I do:
whether it works or not remains to be seen (if I'm unlucky enough to have it tested :`) -
Thanks Coen: Add to that changing the edge color to match the face color and selecting all not to cast shadows, even I won't be able to find it if I can't remember where I put it...perfect!
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You can also use Didiers url_link.rb to hide some extra data in your model...
Tina, back to the original question; be sure you don't share your model with copyrighted elements (components, materials, styles) like from form fonts or other resources for instance.
Sometimes quite a lot of the model can be built of these.
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Most of my clients do not bother, however I have one or two that insist on getting the model. I strip all textures and trivial components before exporting to .3ds (standard format) as well as resetting lights and reflections.I charge building fees, render setup fees and render fees, if they require the model I will charge them 50% of the build fees and release it with full ownership.
This way if they require changes they will not bother doing it themselves rather they will resend the model (formality) and i will open a backed up version of fully textured and set up model for changes (I do not charge for re-setting and texturing) -
This is a good policy really. Similar to Chuck's though you still let them play with the model more...
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This had been very informative. Thank you all for you input.
Gaieus, Thank you for reminding me of the copywritten componenents/styles thing!
Tom and Coen, thank you for the info on the model watermark.
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I'm trying to understand these tricks to hide your copyright or other identifying information. The only way you could confirm that your information was there would be if you got the *.skp back at some point correct? And, you would put this hidden copyright on the work in addition to putting it someplace obvious?
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definitely an informative post.... probably 50% + of my work is 'just' modelling for clients...soooo, doesnt apply... but definitely helpful....thanks for bringing it up.
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I just sent a model to my client about 3 hours ago. I didn't think much about it. But my clients have hired me to design and build a house for them and so many of the aformentioned issues don't apply. However, after reading this thread I do wish I would have exploded it and added some copyright tags.
For me, the reason to share the 3D model is to avoid confusion and protect myself a bit later on. My last client demanded that we remove 14 exposed fir beams after they were finished and installed 13' in the air. She said they weren't the dimensions she wanted/approved and wanted me to pay to have them replaced. I refered her to the model and the agrument was over. That alone was worth it, but I also want my clients to be happy with what they are getting. Most people cant really understand plans or picture what they mean. If a picture is worth 1,000 words a 3D model is worth considerably more.
PS-I agree with Tomsdesk about wanting an ability to lock a document from the pro version.
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I know zip about coding so the following may sound like science fiction....
Is it possible to create some script that can be applied to a model so that it cannot be edited after it has been saved with say a password?
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That sure would be nice. I second that. Perhaps make the entire model a locked component with a password to unlock.
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Yes, this could most probably be applied to the lock tool: unlocking could be password protected.
Still you could maybe use the scenes (with hidden / unhidden layers), the section tools etc. to be able to reveal details maybe hidden inside etc.and of course we still have to think about 3D exports, too...
Of course any password can be crakced.
The same could be done - as someone suggested above - if the SU Viewer used another (uneditable) extension (which could not be reverted to the editable skp format).
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This should be going into the SU wish list. I'd like to be able to lock a model somehow, have it only respond for viewing.
Gaieus, you're correct, passwords can be cracked, but you need not make it easy to do. Banks use 128 bit encryption (AFAIK) for online banking, so I would assume that that level of encryption would be the starting point.
Personally, I don't believe in releasing the CAD / 3D data to a client. I've done it (once or twice) before, but I put up a good fight and won't release it unless I'm well compensated for the data.
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