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MyMiniFactory, a leading 3D file marketplace based in London, has announced the launch of its new subscription system: Tribes.
Developed with the company’s extensive creator community in mind, the Tribes service provides a platform for 3D printing and tabletop hobbyists to support their favorite 3D creators directly on MyMiniFactory.
With a set of tier-based subscription options, users can access exclusive content such as Tribes-only 3D models, discount codes for the MyMiniFactory store, polls to help decide on the next batch of designs, and more – all on a monthly basis.
Nebo Nikolic, CEO of MyMiniFactory, said, “We have been excited to share this highly-anticipated feature with those talented creators who are dedicated to their communities. We heard their hardships on alternative subscription monetization providers and will continue to listen, ensuring that we are able to deliver a flawless product based on community feedback.”
A decentralized ecosystem for 3D creatives
Founded in 2013, MyMiniFactory has spent the better part of a decade crafting what it refers to as ‘a decentralized ecosystem for 3D creatives’. The marketplace offers both free and paid STL files for the 3D printing community, and has experienced significant growth with the launch of several new services since its inception.
The year 2018 saw the release of the Store, which allowed 3D designers to monetize their models for the first time. With such a major community focus, MyMiniFactory allows its designers to keep 90% of their sales revenue, which has been an integral part of why so many creatives flock to the platform. More recently, MyMiniFactory also launched Stories to give the community a space to share and express themselves, and the MMF+ Subscription Service to enable savings on exclusive 3D models.
The platform’s Crowdfunding service has also been a huge success, with crowdfunding campaigns for projects such as luxury 3D printed timepieces. Scan the World’s 3D printable sculpture campaign, in particular, managed to raise nearly $5,000 in 24 hours.
Nikolic adds, “Tribes is another piece in the overall vision that will help us reach our end goal of creating a decentralized ecosystem for creatives and supporters as well as an opportunity for us to continue to empower, foster and serve them best. The creators gave us everything. We are here to listen and receive feedback. They decide and we will try our best to fulfill their needs and empower them.”
Pick your 3D Tribe
MyMiniFactory’s latest offering, Tribes, is currently in Beta but fully functional. The firm developed the service after a number of designers stated that they had faced difficulties on other subscription monetization sites when it came to usability and accessibility. Tribes is intended to streamline this process, allowing for a direct link between creators and supporters without the associated admin hassle.
So what can Tribers expect? The Tribes Discovery Page is the service’s central hub, where users can navigate between creator pages with ease. Once a subscription is made to a designer, users will receive that month’s set of STL files, as well as any added tier-based bonuses such as first-time welcome packs and access to the creator’s private Discord channel. Everything from supporting a Tribe tier to redeeming rewards is fully integrated with MyMiniFactory’s established creator store, making for a seamless user experience.
Additionally, Tribes is designed to serve as a communication tool where Tribers are able to contact creators directly. In the spirit of democracy and decentralization, polls are also periodically held for a creator’s supporters to help decide on what 3D model designs will be launched next.
On the other side of the coin, creatives using the service benefit from an easy-to-use, comprehensive monetization platform for their 3D designs. MyMiniFactory has seen incredible growth over the past few years and expects to keep this momentum up, meaning those seeking greater exposure can leverage an audience they know will be receptive.
Keaton Estes, a popular designer known as Velrock Art, said, “I’m planning to transition completely to Tribes, I’m done having to deal with the extra work involved for other platforms.”
3D Printing Industry will host the first in a new series of webinars featuring popular YouTubers and other creators who make use of 3D printing. Join the first Meet the Creators event later today here.
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Featured image shows some of the 3D models found on MyMiniFactory. Photo via MyMiniFactory.
