Not able the block the download-function on my model.

[Sebastian S.]

I just uploaded a new model an I couldn't block the download-function anymore! What's happening? Did I miss something? The option also dissapeared from every other model of mine (they're still blocked though).

[MisterFoley]

On Wednesday, May 15, 2013 1:53:04 PM UTC+2, Sebastian S. wrote:

I just uploaded a new model an I couldn't block the download-function anymore! What's happening? Did I miss something? The option also dissapeared from every other model of mine (they're still blocked though).

Yes, i also cant find the checkbox now...Thats not great at all.

[Sebastian S.]

I still can't block the downloads :/ I hope this is gonna be fixed soon, I wanna upload my new models. :)

[gustavo sanchez]

 igual

gsb

    

---

De: Sebastian S. via 3D Modeling for Google Earth & Maps <3dwh+noreply-APn2wQfCqtqyZoqep95...@googlegroups.com>
Para: 3d...@googlegroups.com
Enviado: Viernes, 17 de mayo, 2013 1:25 P.M.
Asunto: Re: Not able the block the download-function on my model.

I still can't block the downloads :/ I hope this is gonna be fixed soon, I wanna upload my new models. :)

 

Am Mittwoch, 15. Mai 2013 13:53:04 UTC+2 schrieb Sebastian S.:

I just uploaded a new model an I couldn't block the download-function anymore! What's happening? Did I miss something? The option also dissapeared from every other model of mine (they're still blocked though).

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[CraigD - Google]

Hi Sebastian and others who've reported seeing this functionality go away. I've had some discussions with the team and it turns out that we've decided to disable that feature, as it was found that some folks were using the feature in unintended ways, such as redirecting for download to misleading sites.

What I'm recommending if you'd like to have models submitted for inclusion in Google Earth's 3D Buildings layer, but not have the SketchUp model downloadable, is to upload your model as KMZ only.

That may not be ideal, but for now, this is the solution to a bigger problem.

Best,

    - Craig

[Sebastian S.]

I don't understand what you mean when you talk about 'some folks were using the feature in unintended ways, such as redirecting for download to misleading sites'? Do you mean that some blocked the downloads because they were selling their models on sites like this Geo3D-Market? This was a minority and to be quite honest I don't see nothing wrong with it (I wouldn't use it though, I don't trust such sites).

The problem is that I (and I guess many other too) used this option to protect my models! I make exceptions. I get mails almost everyday from someone who studies architecture and ask me to share some of my models with him/her. And I do share it with them since I'm planing to study architecture as well. But now this chance is taken away from me and from them too.

I don't understand why you 'punish' those who bring great additions to Google Earth instead of those who may not do exactly the right things. My frustration grows day by day, first it was Building Maker that got in my way (many more like and praise it so this is just my personal opinion), now those autogenerated models and yet I'm not even allowed to decide if I wanna share my models with others or not? I'm modeling for almost five years now and I still like it and I'm really grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by Google and for the help of you and the other Google Guides but I'm really getting tired of all those decision that makes it harder for me to do what I love to do, which is modelling.

I really understand why you chose to use auto-generated models and I'm really grateful that you decide to maintain the old 3D-layer as well but I can't understand this latest decision and I really hope that this gonna be reversed or something because the damage is done on those who just wanna protect their work an not on those who do the wrong things.

 

Thanks for your time,

 

Regards

 

Sebastian

[CraigD - Google]

Hi Sebastian, I understand your frustration. Don't blame the modelers here, we understand. When even some people decide to break the rules (in ways you may see, and others you may not), the rest pay sometimes, and once lawyers are involved, it gets real strict.

That being said, there is still a way to do what you mention. You can make a non GE Ready model, private, and then if someone is interested in sharing a model that you've uploaded as a GE Ready KMZ, then make them a collaborator on your private SketchUp version. 

Again, not ideal, but it's possible.

   - Craig

[Sebastian S.]

Four questions:

 

-Does that mean that all models which are currently blocked gonna be unblocked by Google?

-How can I unblock the downloads now since this option is missing?

-Is it possible to convert my kmz. files into SketchUp files by others?

-Will this decision be reversed once you're able to avoid the 'unintend use' of the function?

 

Thanks!

 

Sebastian

[peterg/gipuzkoa3d]

Hola

Y todo esta discusión y anulación de la función "private" ha sido por el geomarket3d ?

Nunca pensé que prosperase,hay sitios mejores, pero no podía suponer que se anule la función private.

¿No tiene Google otra forma de responder sin que afecte al resto del mundo ?

El kmz es una opción, pero es un gran recorte no poder subir el conjunto completo en skp.

Espero que esto sea temporal....y se busque una solución

Últimamente hay demasiadas sorpresas y baches.

Espero que llegue la calma algún dia !!!

Saludos

[Ricardo Nunes]

I hope this gets sorted out soon...

[Stray Kat]

Craig, I understand that this kind of massive storage data has serious security and legality issues, but this makes no sense to me.

How could having NOT allowed downloads be related to a link redirect?  And how would enabling Downloads make the site more protected from litigation?

The only redirect issue I can see in the 3DWarehouse is that some people are providing logo links within the preview box which are obvious sales pitches and blatant links to websites which ostensibly sell that model, although I don't know if they actually do.  But... releasing across-board download restrictions... well, ok, actually... that might send a message of "don't try to sell stuff here, because we're going to give it all away for free"... but it seems like an ineffective way to do that.  Preventing outgoing links sounds like a more logical solution.

But as usual, I don't really know the full situation.  I do, though, know that a legal issue for Google in the 3DWarehouse would be a nightmare for Google, just due to the sheer size of the data that it would implicate.

So, I guess, I'm back to "Thanks, Google for hosting our models for free in the first place".  Best wishes on the legal stuff.  I'm predicting an updated Service Agreement/Terms of Use coming out of this.

[Romain Albenque]

Hi Craig, 

I hope that my website (https://sites.google.com/site/kangarooz3deshop/) is not considering as a misleading site for Google. I would to simplify the way to buy my work via a unique plateform and offer to my clients a quick way to download their orders. I didn't open this website to sell 3D models of other modelers because I didn't want to build a second 3DWH with only 3D models available to buy from many modelers. 

Please let me know if my site make troubles for you ? I can close it and find an other way to sell my 3D models. 

Cheers, 

Romain Albenque

CEO

KangaroOz 3D

[peterg/gipuzkoa3d]

Totalmente de acuerdo con Sebastian, ha sido muy sincero, me veo muy identificado con el, y con muchos más.

Thanks Sebastian !!

Peterg

[CraigD - Google]

Hi Folks,

There are many things that I'm unable to discuss about this, but I can add something to think about; Google is not the only entity involved in the 3D Warehouse, so when you have multiple entities involved, there have to be concessions that become very complicated.

This solution doesn't look like it's going to be reversed.

Again, if you want to share a model, make it Private and then invite people as collaborators. If you want a model to go into Google Earth, but not be downloadable, then upload the KMZ. I know that it was much easier the old way, but I have no control over the situation and don't foresee it changing back.

I hope you all understand that I simple can't give you the full details, but can only offer you my understanding and the possible work arounds listed above.

My love is still 3D modeling...so I get it and wish I had more to share.

    - Craig 

[Sebastian S.]

Well, I understand that you can't talk about everything but there are still some questions unaswered which I think, deserved to be answered and are also quite important for every modeler who has blocked models:

 

-Does that mean that all models which are currently blocked gonna be unblocked by Google?

-How can I unblock the downloads now since this option is missing?

-Is it possible to convert my kmz. files into SketchUp files by others?

Especially the last question is important for future uploads.

Thanks :)

Sebastian

[Ricardo Nunes]

Thanks for the info Craig. 

I can understand: KMZ and SKP; Google and Trimble. 

No problem there, as long as all options remain open. 

Perhaps the upload dialogs should be updated to reflect this changes though.

I know you can't comment, but please pass this idea onto the people that make decisions: there's money on this, some official monetization solution with adds (like Youtube for example) can be considered ;-)

[gustavo sanchez]

 

hola 

Sebastian si se puede convertir un KMZ en un SKETCH UP CON LA VERSIÓN PRO

gsb

    

---

De: Sebastian S. via 3D Modeling for Google Earth & Maps <3dwh+noreply-APn2wQfCqtqyZoqep95...@googlegroups.com>
Para: 3d...@googlegroups.com

Enviado: Martes, 21 de mayo, 2013 2:42 P.M.

Asunto: Re: Not able the block the download-function on my model.

[CraigD - Google]

Hi Sebastian, here are some answers:

1. All blocked models (except for a very few that I can't detail) will remain blocked, as they were set previously. 

2. The engineers are looking to give everyone the ability to UNBLOCK your models, should you want to do that, but it's not implemented yet (you'd have to upload another version/instance if you wanted to allow download right now)

3. SketchUp Pro can import KMZ models and then save that as a SketchUp model.

I hope that you understand that you can give people permission to download private models, if they contact you about a GE ready model that is blocked for download.

I hope that helps.

    - Craig

[Sebastian S.]

So, there's actually no way to block the downloads completly? Well, that's bad :/

 

But still, thanks for your answer! :)

[Zach Ingalls]

Thanks Google.  I had 120 models of my work.  I run a business doing 3D modeling and locked out my models using my warehouse as a portfolio.  People downloading my models for free is not what I do.  I run a business as I stated.  By disabling this feature, you have screwed my business.  I therefore, have pulled my entire collection from your warehouse, much to the dismay of many people who have seen my work and loved it.  I'm grateful for the program that allows me to make a living from my work but it is your loss and those that liked my work.  I will try and market my business somewhere else now.  Thanks.

[Zach Ingalls]

I may repost my work again but it will be photographs of the work and not the models anymore.  

[Albus]

I have the same problem, I upload a new model after an hard work but I couldn't block the download funtion: I hope my model will not be stolen.
Albus

[Zach Ingalls]

I advise, removing your model and replacing it with a screen shot.  That is what I am doing.  I deleted all 120 models and am reinstalling them one at a time as screen images.  I sell my work.  I'm an architectural designer and historic preservation planner. I was using the warehouse as my portfolio. But SketchUp screwed up here.  So now I just include my email and company website so people can contact me for a price list of my models.  For now, they are only flat images.  Download all you want, you won't get anything from the image. I copyright my work and my style is unique.  I can identify it quite easily.

[CraigD - Google]

Hi Zach, 

we're sorry that the change has affected you negatively, that surely wasn't our intention. As with any free service, sometimes changes need to be made for the greater good of the service, that can inadvertent cause difficulty for its users. 

I hope you can understand.

I'm not sure if this helps you, but uploading a KMZ keeps people from accessing your SketchUp model, but allows them to see the 3D model.

Best,

    - CraigD 

[Zach Ingalls]

I didn't know initially that it didn't negatively affect models already up.  At present I am reinstating all the models I removed as they appear to stay locked out.  I am uploading photographs of the other people and keeping them hidden (the models that I can't block).  This should fix the problem for me and allow my portfolio to function as well as a place to store my models should my computer crash.  Thanks for getting back to me.  I look forward to future improvements with the program and I am planning a purchase of the pro version later this year as my work as drawn attention from colleagues in Massachusetts and Kansas.  Thanks again.

[Thn Stadsbyggnad]

Hi CraigD,

 

Now I get a bit worried. Will the function for block download be restored or not?

If not I´ÍI have to delete all my models. And I think that it´s a shame.

[Gaieus]

Hi Craig, Sebastian and all,

I have also heard this really bad news, read all the info here but I'd like some points clarified.

1. Will geo-models that are kept as private (i.e. not visible in someone's portfolio) but marked as GE ready be considered for GE inclusion?
2. Craig, you are saying that we should upload as kmz. That's fine but some points are not clear: can I set a kmz geo model to be visible but not downloadable (i.e. the "old way")? BTW as far as I know, KMZ files can be imported with the Free (now Make) version, too, so if they cannot be set as view only, KMZ upload is not a solution.
3. There are some functions (that I cannot talk about here - you can PM me at SketchUcation if you wish - BTW you have not visited for a while there) which won't work with the kmz upload. What should we do with those?
4. What happens if I edit a model that is currently set to be visible but not downloadable? Will it automatically be reversed to be hidden or downloadable or will it keep its current status?

Although I know you said it's not really up to you but I guess you can still "suggest" things: I understand that there have been misuses and abuses of the system that you cannot talk about but we can guess. But those abuses were not made with geo models. These models are in fact shared enthusiastically by the community on GE - but some folks just do not want to share the source files which is acceptable.

So my suggestion if you can get it to the proper ears: how about making a compromise and allowing this function with geo models only? That would satisfy this community while it would still keep thiose abusers away (although yes, I know, you can georeference a bath tub, too, but then the abuse would be much more apparent and sanctions applied easier).

[CraigD - Google]

Well Arndt, I can sense your misquided frustration at this feature changing, but I can assure you that it has absolutely nothing to do with Google's profit. If you read through the thread, you would have discovered that the reason for this feature being turned off was because of Term of Service abuses by particular members of the community. Again, nothing to do with profit of this free service to you. In fact, with SketchUp Free, Google Earth Free, 3D Warehouse (free), modeling review (free), and the support that I and others have provided on this forum, all for free, I can't actually see any sensible point being made in your statements. Because if it wasn't for Google's profit in other areas, none of these free services would exist at all.

Plus, Larry enjoys kite surfing way more than Lear jetting, and kite surfing kits are way less expensive. :)

Thanks for posting.

Cheers,

    - CraigD

On Friday, May 31, 2013 6:00:29 AM UTC-6, arndt felsberg wrote:

Its like ever in history...

Profit profit profit...

I`am horrified. Mr. Page need some new Learjet?

A.F

[CraigD - Google]

Hi Gaieus, I'll answer what I can, and I'll have to do some research/testing today to be sure.

1. I'll have to look into whether private models can be included in GE.

2. You won't be able to set a KMZ as visible but not downloadable. It's either completely private, or downloadable as I understand it.

3. If you have specific needs for uploading a SketchUp file, as opposed to a KMZ, then you will have to upload the SketchUp file.

4. I'll have to test this and get back to you.

I appreciate your suggestion, but this decision was based on geo models as well. I know that this feature change is upsetting to those who follow the rules, but it's the people who break the rules who cause these changes, not the people who enforce them. 

I'll look into those questions today, Gaieus, and will get back to you.

Best,

    - Craig

[Erwin Held]

ok-- you´re right-- 

our graphics, 3D artist and architects in Team are melting down after reading this text. 

...but you´re right, thinking a moment for us, many free tools for testing but,  indeed with my licenses SU / GE PRO/... i bought from Google, 

i sponsored Larry an kite surfing kit.. :-))

 

We hope and pray for the honesty of the people and hope the Google Earth World would be rising and growing...

Regards

A.F

By the way... take "Blender" -> import an KMZ file and you have-? Its all collada Stuff <- made by Sony

[peterg/gipuzkoa3d]

Ni Zach

Conoces www.turbosquid.com ?

Puedes hacer tu negocio con este soporte.

Esta mejor gestionado que 3dwh

es mas serio y mas justo con el usuario que sube sus modelos a un almacen

Saludos

Peterg

[Stray Kat]

I have to back up Craig on this one, Arndt, your comments don't really make sense to me, either.  More towards the opposite of sense, in this scenario.  After all, aren't the ones complaining here generally the ones who are concerned about their own profit?  Seems like a double standard.  And a silly standard, if it insinuates that "profit" is a bad thing to consider on either side.

Also, it makes no sense that Google would profit off of this move.  It seems rather that the change is a reaction to modelers trying to "profit" by breaking Google's or Trimble's terms of service.  Also, doesn't Trimble actually own the 3DWarehouse, not Google?  And does it look as if hosting our models makes Trimble or Google any money?  I've never paid them, have you?  They've never asked me for money.  I've long wondered about the sustainability of that business model, actually, and recently it seems as if I'm getting the answer.

I do understand the frustration, though, Arndt, and it probably stems from the awkwardness of being in the dark and being surprised so often in the last year by Google Earth/Maps.

Personally, I pre-sell all of my models, so the downloading thing isn't an issue for me.  Perhaps modelers might consider using the 3DWH just for free and open models, and using other forums for selling multiple-sales SketchUp models?  It sounds like there are websites for that.

[3dHH]

The decision not to block the download of models is imo  HORIBBLE for the quality of appropriate GE-models.
As one of the first modelles from 2007 (when blocking was not possible)  I was glad to protect my intense work from being copied by others. This is now not possible and will stop all good modellers from publishing!
PLEASE TURN BACK TO THE OLD FEATURE !

[Google Craig]

Hi 3dHH, I can appreciate your reaction, but you'll want to read through this entire thread to see why it was done, why it will not be reversed, and what the workaround is.

Best,

    - Craig

[3dHH]

The workaround (upload as kmz-file) is no solution for model-theft because with SketchUp-Pro I can import every kmz-file although some information compared to the skp-file is missing.
Any skilled modeller will think twice of uploading good models which need some hard work when his intellectual property/work will not be protected!
Very sad decision
Best regards, 3dHH, (one of the first Google featured modellers in 2008)

[Google Craig]

Hi 3dHH, I understand that it's not a fool proof workaround and I can appreciate your perspective, but it's the situation. I hope you were able to also read the reason for this change, and understand that it's not the engineers or modelers at Google or Trimble that made the decision.

Cheers,

    - Craig

[3dHH]

Hi Craig,  a short look on active and skilled modellers shows the consequence of this decision:
'Kudret 3d' (771 GE-models), '3DLocationEarth' (5000+ GE-models), '3rd Angle' (1368) have stopped uploading models at 2013-04 !!
Is this  what you wanted  ???
- 3dHH

[Google Craig]

Hi 3dHH, again, I understand your sentiment, I truly do, but I hope you can understand why this decision has been made. This certainly isn't something that "I" wanted, and if people decide that they can't live with the new rules, then that is indeed unfortunate, but nothing I have control over (and makes me sad). I hope you also understand that this wasn't a decision made by me, my team, or the engineers at Google or Trimble. Terms of Service infractions aren't dealt with by engineers, and when something happens that causes scrutiny and rules to be changed, that's a shame, but it isn't the people who enforce the rules that are to blame.

I hope you can appreciate that, and I hope that you can model within the confines of the new rules.

Cheers,

    - Craig

[gautam avs]

Hi Guys,

I was using this community and read many posts including this post from several months...

I started modeling from last September without knowing all these stuff...

Even I am one of those who is suffering from Google's decision of making all models downloadable.

But still I am uploading my models as sketchup files... 

Reason why I am still uploading Skp files: As the satellite imagery gets updated and models misplace on the new imagery, no body likes the visual appeal of misplaced models. So I will download my skp model, position it precisely, change the roof texture to match the new imagery and upload it back (images attached). By following this process I can keep reviews and ratings and other data as is, less than 5 minutes per model is what I spend...

You can check out my personal profile here: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?viewer=0529207073264992681559898&scoring=m

and my company profile here: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?uq=1572904717059059781331709&scoring=m

And one of our clients portfolio here: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?uq=0555117080872460955930473&scoring=m 

@Craig: Your valuable suggestion of uploading .kmz files works for only once in this case, when the satellite image is updated the building is misplaced and we can't edit the kmz file even though we download it.

This is one of the reason why Google went for automatic modeling as per Peter's talk in this video: http://youtu.be/HMBJ2Hu0NLw?t=40m41s 

Why did I explained all my nonsense stuff above? Coz I just want to share my thoughts with other geo modelers...

My thoughts and analysis of why Google has made models downloadable

(Other than all the reasons gave by Craig in above posts (which literally makes no sense))

They say in our language: పొమ్మనలేక   పొగ   పెట్టినట్లు (Pommanaleka   poga   pettinatlu)

Literal translation is: "Instead of directly asking someone to leave, making them leave by starting some smoke", referring to indirect actions in place of direct words.

Someone to leave in this case, it is us - professional geo modelers and the whole geo modeling community members (including those that mentioned above by 3dHH and other certified and unable to get certification modelers like myself ).

Starting smoke is changing permissions and silly rules which we cant do anything about it other than just accepting it, thus, making us to stop uploading of models into 3d warehouse forcibly...

My predictions:

Fast Forward a year: 

No modelers will upload their geo models in 3d warehouse

Google 3d warehouse community will die

Hurray...!!! Google found their solution.

Google declare saying 3D warehouse is retiring because of less participation by 3d modelers and ask us to download all our models.

OR They declare saying we wont be accepting any models into 3D warehouse from XX date and keep old models as is. 

OR Google may remove 3D Models completely (wiping everything off without even noticing).

Nice old plan Google...!!! 

But anyways... Thanks Google for bringing SketchUp and Geo Modeling thing, I myself found my inner passion for architecture and changed my life and career completely by learning these amazing tools.

Cheers,

Gautam

[Google Craig]

Hi Guatam, I do appreciate your feedback, but without all of the information (which legally can't be shared), I'm sorry to say that you've come to a very inaccurate/incomplete conclusion.

Because all of the information can't be shared, it's impossible for you, or others, to see the whole picture (if you think that even matters, because it's really just trying to figure out who you want to blame for this change, which so far has been misdirected and just wrong, instead of just moving forward).

If you saw the whole picture a few things might happen: 1. You might say, Oh wow, that's really bad.  2. You might say, boy am I pointing blame the wrong way.  3.  Maybe I shouldn't be publicly blaming a company or making conclusions about motive, when I don't know all of the facts. 4. Maybe I can spend my time doing what I enjoy.

Again, finding blame won't change the situation, and if you can't live with with the change, then that's a choice you'll have to make, but I feel that a better decision is to live with the change, as it may not ever effect you in a bad way. 

I want to reinforce that these public conclusions are really just a waste of time that could be spent more productively.

Onward and upward, as they say. :)

     - CraigD

[Maradona]

P.A.O.K FC downloaded my model made a few small changes and presented it as their own at the conference as the official plan for their stadium; without even crediting me. Isnt their anything in the TOS what stops them from doing this?

Is their anyway to block access to my designs? This is serious.

[Google Craig]

Hi Maradona, there are few things you can do. First, you can report a Copyright violation: HERE

Next, you can protect your content from being downloaded in its editable form by uploading a KMZ of your model and making that public and allowing people to contact you. If you want to share the editable version, you can upload the SketchUp version and make it private, then share access to that model to select people.

I hope that helps.

 Best,

   

     - Craig

EDIT: I can't easily find that user. Can you include the link to your model along with the link to the copied model? Thanks.

[Randy]

Hi Everyone,

It appears to me that this has been one GIANT misunderstanding. Consider this...

May 15 - The title of this thread by Sebastian S. states "NOT ABLE TO BLOCK" downloads.

May 17 - Paragraph 1 of Sebastian S' reply states "still CAN'T BLOCK" downloads.

May 17 - Paragraph 1 of Craig's reply addresses why NOT ABLE TO ALLOW downloads (Opposite of original question).

              Paragraph 2 of Craig's reply addresses how to BLOCK downloads  (Addresses original question)..

May 17 - Paragraph 1 of Sebastian S' reply asks what's wrong with BLOCKING downloads (Contradicts thread title).

              Paragraph 2 of Sebastian S' reply asks why NOT ABLE TO ALLOW downloads (Opposite of thread title).

May 17 - Paragraph 1 of Craig's reply addresses how to share a model that is not downloadable.

May 18 - Sebastian S asks "Will all my previous models be downloadable?" and "How do I ALLOW downloads?"  (Opposite of thread title).

....etc....

Hopefully this will help clear up some confusion.

[Fotis]

Hi Nilaul,

I've read your story in some other blogs recently and I was really surprised. I believe you are right saying that PAOK stole your design. Do you have any updates from this story? Also, did you manage to find out which architecture firm stole your model?

Cheers,

Fotis