I don’t know if this is negotiable at this point, but as one of the earliest Bionicle fans to 3D print and distribute custom masks I take some issue with the rules of this contest. The rules state that if a 3D printed piece is to be used by someone “they’ll need to provide a link to the free source for the piece. If one does not exist, the piece may not be used”. I think this is a mistake and will greatly limit the quality of the submissions. For example, I’ve had several people approach me about using my toa Hagah masks (pictured below), but in order to do that I would need to forfeit selling their masks on my Shapeways, which I have been doing for years. This is a silly requirement in my opinion, because even real Lego pieces cost money. Even if I made the 3D model free, that still requires someone to purchase a 3D printer and filament. Having the model for sale on Shapeways is simply providing that service for a price which actually allows access to the models for more people who can’t afford their own 3D printer.
I propose a slight modification to the rules. As I see it, I should be making the design be creative commons, NOT the model. In other words, I would be allowing anyone else to use the mask designs in their own art or even allow them to make and sell their own models. That way the design can be given to the community, while still allowing 3D modelers to continue selling their models as they always have.
