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posted by mattie_p on Monday February 17 2014, @12:55PM   Printer-friendly
from the my-little-printer dept.

similar_name writes: "The prospect of children printing their own Transformers and My Little Pony toys is a step closer, after toy firm Hasbro revealed a partnership with 3D printing company 3D Systems. The two companies are working together to 'co-develop and commercialize innovative play printers and platforms later this year.'"

[Ed. Note] The first one I would print is Applejack.

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End of Day 1: Systems Update 149 comments

So, as I write this, day one has officially come to an end. I'm still somewhat in shock over it. Last night when I was editing the database to change over hostnames and such, I was thinking, man, it would be great if we got 100 regular users by tomorrow. Turns out I was wrong. By a factor of ten. Holy cow, people. I'm still in a state of disbelief, partially due to the epic turnout, but also because our very modest server hardware hasn't soiled itself from the influx (the numbers are, well, "impressive" is a way to put it). Anyway, I wanted to do a bit of a writeup of where we stand now, what works, and what doesn't. Check it out (and some raw numbers) after the break! Warning, it is a bit lengthy.

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  • (Score: 5, Funny) by Vanderhoth on Monday February 17 2014, @12:59PM

    by Vanderhoth (61) on Monday February 17 2014, @12:59PM (#833)

    Now I can just print that one my little pony horse shoe my daughter keeps loosing instead of actually having to get out of my chair and go look for it.

    On the downside I'm going to be too afraid to get out of my chair, there'll be too many tiny front left shoes laying around to step on...

    --
    "Now we know", "And knowing is half the battle". -G.I. Joooooe
    • (Score: 1) by slartibartfastatp on Monday February 17 2014, @03:27PM

      by slartibartfastatp (588) on Monday February 17 2014, @03:27PM (#968)

      I was thinking... printing Lego? I guess it would be probably cheaper than the overpriced original stuff.

      • (Score: 1) by mhajicek on Monday February 17 2014, @11:19PM

        by mhajicek (51) on Monday February 17 2014, @11:19PM (#1349)

        Good luck getting them to fit right. Even the knock-off molded ones can't hold the tolerances for good fit. Perhaps with a much higher grade printer.

        • (Score: 1) by lhsi on Tuesday February 18 2014, @06:28AM

          by lhsi (711) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @06:28AM (#1510)

          My son has some not-LEGO blocks that fit together and don't look like they need high tolerances (Mega Blocks I think it is). Each piece is about the size of 10 or so single LEGO bricks though, so that might not be good if you want to build larger structures with lots of bricks.

  • (Score: 2, Insightful) by romanr on Monday February 17 2014, @01:04PM

    by romanr (102) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:04PM (#836)

    The idea of children playing with 3d printers is pretty neat but... Current 3d printing is quite expensive and I think it would be too expensive to have them just fool around with 3d printer. There are cheaper ways to let the children be creative ATM.

    • (Score: 1) by mhajicek on Monday February 17 2014, @01:33PM

      by mhajicek (51) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:33PM (#873)

      We need cheaper Filibots too. Then the kids can make toys out of water bottles and milk jugs.

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 17 2014, @03:55PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 17 2014, @03:55PM (#998)

      Current 3d printing is quite expensive and I think it would be too expensive to have them just fool around with 3d printer. There are cheaper ways to let the children be creative ATM.

      Have you any idea how much it costs to raise a child? You're being more than a little short sighted here. What we need to do is combine 2 current trends in 3d printing. Childs 3d printers and 3d printable guns, a "Columbine Playset" if you will.

      Think of all that disposable income you'll have once junior is out of the way. Finally, your hard earned money can be directed towards the important things in life... hookers and beer! Mmmm... beer!

    • (Score: 1) by NovelUserName on Monday February 17 2014, @06:43PM

      by NovelUserName (768) on Monday February 17 2014, @06:43PM (#1141)

      More important than cost (I think) is the complexity. I've fooled around with 3d printers and it's hard to be creative with a 3D printer. If all you want to do is get on thingiverse, download a file and print the thing- no big deal. Creating a novel 3d digital object to print? That takes dedication and a fair understanding of computers and the mechanics of 3D printers and it will still take a few tries before you wind up with something that's not a stringy mess. For teens with the interest this is great, for small children I rather doubt it.

      And you are right, while people might quibble about what's expensive- I don't know of any printers that I think people would call cheap.

      Cheers

      • (Score: 1) by umafuckitt on Monday February 17 2014, @10:00PM

        by umafuckitt (20) on Monday February 17 2014, @10:00PM (#1281)

        This is the impression I have too. TBH, although I find the idea of a 3-D printer pretty cool, I can't think of anything I actually need to print. Even at work, where I build stuff quite regularly, our staffed machine shop is going to be faster, produce better results, and not be limited to a narrow range of plastics. If I wanted to go completely DIY, I think I'd rather opt for lathe and CNC skills than purchasing a 3-D printer and screwing around with that.

        • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 18 2014, @01:36AM

          by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 18 2014, @01:36AM (#1426)

          I like to give a toy to each woman I mean. It's a copy of my cock. Tell your mo.. oh never mind.

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 19 2014, @03:27AM

      by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 19 2014, @03:27AM (#2204)

      "The idea of children playing with computers is pretty neat but... Current computing is quite expensive and I think it would be too expensive to have them just fool around with a computer. There are cheaper ways to let the children be creative ATM."

      Wow. I'm really glad no one said that 30 years ago when I started hanging out at the local college computer center!

  • (Score: 1) by everdred on Monday February 17 2014, @01:07PM

    by everdred (110) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:07PM (#839) Homepage Journal

    "No printing STLs. More expensive than a RepRap. Lame."

    --
    We don't take no shit from a machine.
  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by mmcmonster on Monday February 17 2014, @01:08PM

    by mmcmonster (401) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:08PM (#840)

    How will prevalent 3D printers change the childhood toy industry?

    I know my daughter has dozens of Littlest Pet Shop toys, most of them are not articulated and could easily have been made by a 3D printer fab.

    Do Hasbro et al give the 3D designs away for free and charge for high quality reproductions? This seems to be like the card games are now. You can download Pokemon cards and print them yourselves, but the cards being bought at the local stores still command a premium price.

    Hopefully they don't try to litigate themselves into a jam...

    • (Score: 1) by mrcoolbp on Monday February 17 2014, @01:20PM

      by mrcoolbp (68) <mrcoolbp@dev.soylentnews.org> on Monday February 17 2014, @01:20PM (#853)

      Good question. It looks like they are trying to jump in to the market to mitigate their own future demise (which won't happen until there are some significant improvements in the tech).

      --
      (Score:1^½, Radical)
    • (Score: 2, Interesting) by kogspg on Monday February 17 2014, @03:58PM

      by kogspg (850) on Monday February 17 2014, @03:58PM (#1006)

      It'll be a combination of the app store model and ink printers. Pay a few bucks for a character model and charge and arm and a leg for plastic refill.

  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by Freeman on Monday February 17 2014, @01:08PM

    by Freeman (732) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:08PM (#842)

    Will these be the same quality as are on the shelf now? Or are these going to be the quality of ones you get out of vending machines? I'm thinking they will be closer to the latter.

    --
    To err is human; to really foul things up requires a computer. - Bill Vaughan
    • (Score: 1) by everdred on Monday February 17 2014, @01:21PM

      by everdred (110) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:21PM (#856) Homepage Journal

      Probably the latter.

      (But your comment made me imagine the day you can buy 3D printers out of vending machines. I can't wait.)

      --
      We don't take no shit from a machine.
    • (Score: 2, Insightful) by buswolley on Monday February 17 2014, @03:26PM

      by buswolley (848) on Monday February 17 2014, @03:26PM (#966)

      Probably. Probably....and as poisonous.

      --
      subicular junctures
  • (Score: 1) by CoolHand on Monday February 17 2014, @01:14PM

    by CoolHand (438) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:14PM (#847)

    I was going to submit this story earlier.. except the "Submit Story" link apparently doesn't work for many of us (maybe non-admins?)...

    --
    Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job-Douglas Adams
    • (Score: 2, Informative) by Nerdfest on Monday February 17 2014, @01:19PM

      by Nerdfest (80) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:19PM (#852)

      The 'number of comments' value seems to have failed as well.

    • (Score: 3, Interesting) by mtrycz on Monday February 17 2014, @01:21PM

      by mtrycz (60) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:21PM (#854)

      The admins are working really hard to making things work, and they made miracle of just making the site work in a week.
      I concurr that the submission is a big feature to miss, but it's the last of the most important things. It'll be ready soon, I hope!
      In the meantime, keep up with the newshunting, it'll be useful for years on end!

      • (Score: 1) by CoolHand on Monday February 17 2014, @03:00PM

        by CoolHand (438) on Monday February 17 2014, @03:00PM (#945)

        Yah, I wasn't really mad or anything... really just trying to make sure the issue is still in the spotlight since it is a big issue, even though the "last of the big issues"... :)

        --
        Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job-Douglas Adams
      • (Score: 1) by crutchy on Tuesday February 18 2014, @02:40AM

        by crutchy (179) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @02:40AM (#1445) Homepage Journal

        you needn't worry... slashdot beta has set the bar pretty damn low... soylent lept over that bar quite a while ago

  • (Score: 5, Interesting) by ArhcAngel on Monday February 17 2014, @01:14PM

    by ArhcAngel (654) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:14PM (#848)

    3D printer templates will soon be showing up on ThePirateBay if they aren't already. I foresee much weeping and gnashing of teeth over attempts to control this technology. Be on the lookout for 3DRM tech to be the next big wave in cyber security circles.

    • (Score: 1) by mtrycz on Monday February 17 2014, @01:23PM

      by mtrycz (60) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:23PM (#861)

      Insightful.

      Maybe this time the hacker community can preempt the industries? I mean, you can't copyright a shape, can you? Unless it's a trademark, but then again...

      • (Score: 2, Funny) by Random2 on Monday February 17 2014, @03:54PM

        by Random2 (669) on Monday February 17 2014, @03:54PM (#996)

        Well, that depends on how round your edges are....

        --
        If only I registered 3 users earlier....
        • (Score: 1) by kogspg on Monday February 17 2014, @04:04PM

          by kogspg (850) on Monday February 17 2014, @04:04PM (#1013)

          Rounded edges fell under design patent and not copyright or trademark.

      • (Score: 1) by Hombre on Tuesday February 18 2014, @03:09AM

        by Hombre (977) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @03:09AM (#1454)

        Sorry, no, it was not an Insightful comment. It shows a profound lack of understanding of how the 3D modeling industry works, and especially how access to the models is gained.

        • (Score: 1) by mtrycz on Tuesday February 18 2014, @04:20AM

          by mtrycz (60) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @04:20AM (#1479)

          Would you mind correcting it then?

          • (Score: 1) by Hombre on Tuesday February 18 2014, @02:56PM

            by Hombre (977) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @02:56PM (#1801)

            I already posted a couple of comments. No one wants to listen.

            First, 3D modeling is primarily done at a small scale, as in lone developer in his bedroom level. The made for Hollywood stuff that's done by the big production teams isn't the same. You build a model for animation very differently from how you build it for 3D printing, to the point where these animation models won't print without major re-working. You're better off starting from scratch.

            As has been pointed out repeatedly, many modelers have already given away their models for free, so suddenly finding them on TPB is pretty irrelevant. The bigger problem is finding your model being listed for sale on Turbosquid by someone who didn't make it but is now getting paid for it.

            At that point you could argue that someone who bought such a model could then put it on TPB. Obviously they wouldn't get the benefit of a free model, but everyone else would. Think of this as being like people putting up Photoshop or Office.

            Except for one small problem. That was an animation model, not a 3D printable model. It'll require a lot of work to turn it into a printable model. Printable models are done on contract or for personal use. At least, any model that's actually interesting is. Such models aren't likely to be made available.

            Someone above pointed to a link on TPB to show that it's actually already happened. For example, the search returns an AR-15 lower receiver. Guess what? That model was given away freely, by its creator, years ago. Who cares if it's on TPB now?

            The claim is that a proliferation of cheap 3D printers is going to result in ready-for-printing 3D models suddenly becoming available on TPB against the creators wishes.

            How?

            I have a model ready to print on my work station. I do not want you to have it. Explain how you're going to get it. I don't know the first thing about computer security and I can state with certainty that you will NEVER get my model unless I specifically give it to you.

            It's not like my workstation's name is Valuable Customer 3D Models. You might figure out which computer on the network is mine, but you have no way of knowing that there's a 3D model there. That is, you have no way of knowing that my computer is the one you're supposed to be targeting unless I tell you. I'll believe that you're engaged in mass hacking for personal financial records before I'll believe you're narrowing your search for 3D models.

            The closest concern there'd be is if there were a hack at a 3rd party printing service like Shapeways. You don't think they've secured their system? Maybe not enough.

            But that wasn't the concern. The concern is the proliferation of cheap home 3D printing and the unauthorized availability of suitable models.

            If I give the model away then who cares if it ends up on TPB.

            If you pay me to do a model for you then I don't care what you do with it. If I then give away your model I'll never work again.

            If I make a model that I want to be able to license to everyone to print on their own, for a small fee, I'm not doing it until there's a protocol in place that will do it securely and keeps you from capturing my model. Much more realistically I'll just print it for you on my printer and mail you the finished product.

            Any 3D model, ready for 3D printing, that's readily available for free to anyone who wants it, is already available because its creator made it so. Availability on TPB is a red herring.

            • (Score: 1) by mtrycz on Tuesday February 18 2014, @04:03PM

              by mtrycz (60) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @04:03PM (#1864)

              Hey Hombre, thanks for the insight. I don't actually agree with some of the things you say, but thanks for your time nonetheless.

              • (Score: 1) by Hombre on Wednesday February 19 2014, @12:14AM

                by Hombre (977) on Wednesday February 19 2014, @12:14AM (#2144)

                I'd be interested to see what you disagree with because really, no one ever responds other than to say that they disagree. I've had this conversation quite a few times. The responses are always examples of stuff that's now on TPB (like Garin's GW stuff, which he put on TPB himself, thus proving my point), claims of being able to hack some workstation assuming that you can find the right needle in a stack of needles, claims about human nature, etc., all while never actually providing an example of how these models are going to miraculously appear where their creator didn't want them.

                I have well over 10,000 3D models on my work station, the vast majority of which I got from someone else. I can say with absolute certainty that not a single one was acquired without the creator's permission.

                The last thing to add is what I told ArchAngel: We also need to differentiate between the legitimate rights holder and the actual 3D modeler, e.g., Disney vs. me making a model of a Star Destroyer. AFAICT that was never the question. The conflict was just that somehow, someway, a model of X was going to end up on TPB without its creator's permission, and that's just not going to happen.

                Someone making a 3D model of IP they're not licensed to *will* happen, and that is no different from what we've seen in a whole slew of industries.

                • (Score: 1) by mtrycz on Wednesday February 19 2014, @05:43AM

                  by mtrycz (60) on Wednesday February 19 2014, @05:43AM (#2284)

                  Yes, I was too busy yesterday to elaborate anything insightful, and I'll also be concise now, sorry.

                  I'm not in the industry or anything, I've never even printed a 3D model, but I think it WILL progressively gain popularity, as 3D printers are becoming more widespread, no matter what.

                  Maybe not while it's still maintaing a niche status, but soon enough.

                  I don't actually disagree with you, that authors and copyright holders should have their credit and benefit, but look at what's happened to the music and movie industry. As far as these go, you can find virtually anything on the webs today, legal or not.

                  There's also the upcoming factor of 3D scanners. Given that it's not an exact copy, and not the same quality, but if it's "good enough" for practical reasons, it'll gain popularity.

                  Obviously the small scale, artisan-like production will not have to be afflicted, but for the rest, it's just a matter of time.

                  (Also, I don't understand the meaning of your last sentence, it looks like you're contradicting yourself?)

    • (Score: 4, Funny) by NovelUserName on Monday February 17 2014, @01:28PM

      by NovelUserName (768) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:28PM (#864)

      I would totally print a car! It's not like that's stealing right?

    • (Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 17 2014, @06:23PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 17 2014, @06:23PM (#1126)
    • (Score: 1) by Hombre on Monday February 17 2014, @06:29PM

      by Hombre (977) on Monday February 17 2014, @06:29PM (#1130)

      I assume that by "3D printer templates" you mean the 3D models/STL files? Why do you believe that they "will soon be showing up on ThePirateBay"?

      I have some experience in this field. If I created the 3D model for myself, I'm probably not going to share it. This is because I'm probably going 3D print copies and sell them as part of my business.

      If I commission someone to create the 3D model for me (and I still do this on a regular basis), I'm pretty confident that they won't be giving out that model to others without my express permission (which I won't grant). Why would they risk the trouble? Maybe other terms... If I commissioned you to do custom code work for me, and as part of our contract the code is mine, you're not allowed to share it with others, etc., would you risk the trouble by uploading the source to TPB or elsewhere?

      Forgive me for jumping to the conclusion that said model was posted on TPB without permission. I think it's generally understood that file sharing and torrents are fine and perfectly legit, but TPB (specifically) usually implies copyright infringement.

      There's a whole host of variations on who created what, for what purpose, and what license it's intended for and I really don't want to try to cover all permutations. Just let me say that, frankly, I do not see 3D models, designed for 3D printing (the latter point being kind of important) suddenly popping up on TPB and being a problem.

      • (Score: 1) by ArhcAngel on Monday February 17 2014, @06:53PM

        by ArhcAngel (654) on Monday February 17 2014, @06:53PM (#1146)

        Why? Because I know human nature. I know more than my fair share of individuals who will spend inordinate amounts of resources in order to avoid purchasing something if they believe they can get it for free because they have no sense of what value their time/energy are worth. I have quite literally worked with a man who worked harder at getting out of his responsibilities at work than actually doing his job would have required. Then there's the laborer who sees an opportunity to make a few extra dollars and copies your STL file from an unsecured PC in the office you commissioned the work to be done. Or maybe it's the thrill seeker who likes the adrenaline rush sneaking in and taking something that isn't theirs gives them. It has happened and it will continually happen as long as humans are part of the process.

        • (Score: 1) by Hombre on Tuesday February 18 2014, @12:05AM

          by Hombre (977) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @12:05AM (#1386)

          I don't doubt that some people will go out of their way to get stuff for free, but you really didn't answer the question. Where are the models going to come from that results in the opportunity for them to be uploaded to TPB? The closest you came to an answer appears to be a belief that someone is going to hack a workstation in an office? Obviously not impossible, but I don't really see it. Or do you mean the co-worker of the contractor? Sorry, but I don't see that happening very often, if at all.

          This conversation came up a few other times at The Other Site as well. No one has ever given a plausible answer for where these models will come from. There are plenty of free models available on 3D Warehouse, GrabCAD, and similar places, so then bring out up on TPB isn't really a concern. They're not ready for 3D printing, but they can be repaired.

          No, we're talking about high quality, professional models designed explicitly for 3D printing, somehow, magically finding their way onto TPB. There simply is not a credible way for someone to get a hold of a model, without it being given to them, for them to put it on TPB.

          Unauthorized downloading is not where the concern should be.

          The concern is more likely to be with unauthorized casting/duplication. That is, if I allow someone to get a 3D print, say thru a 3rd party service like Shapeways, or even if I print it myself for the customer, and they then make a rubber mold and cast copies in resin or metal. That can and does happen.

      • (Score: 1) by mhajicek on Monday February 17 2014, @11:26PM

        by mhajicek (51) on Monday February 17 2014, @11:26PM (#1353)

        There are already oodles of free models out there. 3dcontentcentral, grabcad, cncguns, etc. Sometimes people just want to share.

      • (Score: 1) by Qzukk on Monday February 17 2014, @11:52PM

        by Qzukk (1086) on Monday February 17 2014, @11:52PM (#1374) Journal

        I do not see 3D models, designed for 3D printing (the latter point being kind of important) suddenly popping up on TPB and being a problem.

        It won't necessarily be YOUR 3d model that appears, but if you sell a simple chunk of plastic, I expect that someone's going to figure it out and A 3d model [reddit.com] will appear.

        • (Score: 1) by Hombre on Tuesday February 18 2014, @12:09AM

          by Hombre (977) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @12:09AM (#1390)

          So? Unfortunate, but that's no different from what can already be done even without a 3D printer. Mold-making and casting. Some people will do that, even though it's cheaper to just get an original than it is to reverse engineer it, especially if they have to now make the 3D model first.

      • (Score: 1) by ArhcAngel on Tuesday February 18 2014, @10:21PM

        by ArhcAngel (654) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @10:21PM (#2094)
        From TPB [thepiratebay.se]:

        A collection of all of Garin's 40K .stl files, snagged before GW dropped the C&D.
        Contains the following:
        ---Dreadnoughts (Model and weapon options)
        ---Space Marines (Head, Weapon, Torso, Leg, Shoulder, and Arm options. Also Attack Bikes and applicable leg options)
        ---Terminators (Head, Weapon, Torso, Leg, Shoulder, and Arm options, including Obliterator heads and Grey Knight heads/weapons)
        ---(Some) Primarchs
        ---Tau Drone, body only (No weapons or stand)
        ---City and Space Hulk model bases
        Enjoy, and fuck GW!

        It's already started.

        • (Score: 1) by Hombre on Wednesday February 19 2014, @12:04AM

          by Hombre (977) on Wednesday February 19 2014, @12:04AM (#2140)

          That's fantastic and I've never argued against *what you showed happening, happening." Maybe we have a disconnect, because AFAICT you've just shown that you don't get it. Garin did those models, not GW. Pretty safe bet that Garin put those models on TPB. I never said that wouldn't happen.

          It seems like now you want to argue that someone made a 3D model of someone else's IP without permission and then put that up. And? I never said that wouldn't happen. You can't stop someone from making a 3D model and once they do that, there's no telling what they'll do with it.

          I've said:

          -- These models have to be created, pretty specifically for 3D print applications
          -- A model will not end up on TPB unless the original modeler gave the model out (for free or for pay)
          -- If he gave it out for free then who cares if it ends up on TPB
          -- A model designed for 3D printing isn't likely to be given out to multiple people, even for a fee. More likely is he would either print it for the customer himself or use a third party service.

          In Garin's case, those models are now on TPB *only* because GW sent a C&D. Prior to that, he used a third party service to print them for customers.

          I made a model of a Star Destroyer. I don't give it out. So? Someone else will make a model of a Star Destroyer. They'll give it out. See 3D Warehouse. Eventually Disney will decide that they don't like that, but they haven't cared since they bought out Lucas, and Lucas didn't care for the several years those models were there before hand.

          Maybe we need to differentiate between the legitimate rights holder and the model creator, but you never brought that up until now. You were always talking about the model creator, and that's where I pointed my response.

          • (Score: 1) by ArhcAngel on Wednesday February 19 2014, @01:18AM

            by ArhcAngel (654) on Wednesday February 19 2014, @01:18AM (#2167)

            So you basically did not understand my original comment about "controlling" this technology. I referenced 3DRM technology as a logical extension of existing DRM for the new tech but control comes in many forms. The C&D was another and you can bet this will escalate just like it has in audio and video. You'll see manufacturers lobbying to limit who can legally own either the printers themselves or the raw materials to make certain things. And I still disagree with you regarding private files getting out. If someone wants them bad enough they will get them.

  • (Score: 4, Funny) by nobbis on Monday February 17 2014, @01:23PM

    by nobbis (62) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:23PM (#859) Homepage Journal

    The Obligatory...

    OMG! Printed Ponies

    --
    It's easy to look up when your mind's in the gutter
  • (Score: -1, Offtopic) by rancidman on Monday February 17 2014, @01:26PM

    by rancidman (769) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:26PM (#862)

    You may have heard the rumors going around about my rancid hole. Well, guess what. They're all true! My hole is rancid as fuck, and I hear this is the place where all the slashdot people and their fetid little friends get together, so now, I present myself to you as One With Rancidness.

    What say you?

  • (Score: 2, Insightful) by Random2 on Monday February 17 2014, @01:28PM

    by Random2 (669) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:28PM (#863)

    While customization isn't something new, what happens to series with established canons if people are allowed to print their 'own characters'? Part of the draw of the characters is that you get to play with 'Optimus Prime' and follow the stories for example, not that you have some random character that isn't related to the series. Of course, kids are quite capable of making up their own stores and integrating them into what they do, but does that actually work out? Do we know of a case where something like that happened and was successful?

    I would like to think it would evolve into something like the expanded universe of Star Wars, but since it's with kids instead of adults I don't really see that happening. Basically it seems more like a novelty to go 'ohh, shiny 3D printing' rather than something that'd really take off.

    --
    If only I registered 3 users earlier....
    • (Score: 2, Funny) by paddym on Monday February 17 2014, @02:20PM

      by paddym (196) on Monday February 17 2014, @02:20PM (#920)

      Yeah, following the canons was always a concern of mine when I played with transformers. I was placed in the corner if I couldn't describe the themes of my interactions, or if the outcome was fate-driven instead of character-driven. Can you imagine if they ever made generic ripoffs of HotWheels? Nobody ever bought those, so those companies are all defunct, but it would have been a disaster if they caught on. I had 5 versions of Voltron! I had to come up with these time-machine based stories and make sure they never looked directly at one another to keep it consistent. I think I single-handedly saved the world from the butterfly effect many times over by being very careful what I imagined. That's ok, you don't need to thank me.

  • (Score: 2, Funny) by damnbunni on Monday February 17 2014, @01:30PM

    by damnbunni (704) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:30PM (#870)

    Given that the quality of first-run consumer products like this tend to be a little iffy, at best, I'm guessing whatever pony you TRIED to print...
     

    ...would come out all Derpy.

    • (Score: 1) by mhajicek on Monday February 17 2014, @01:38PM

      by mhajicek (51) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:38PM (#879)

      Come to Candy Mountain, Charlie!

  • (Score: 2, Interesting) by kwerle on Monday February 17 2014, @01:31PM

    by kwerle (746) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:31PM (#871) Homepage

    Why is there an editor's note in the article? Why didn't they just post it as a comment like the rest of us?

    That was certainly an annoyance on /. - editors tacking [more] crap onto the articles instead of acting like members of the community and posting comments.

    • (Score: 3, Informative) by mattie_p on Monday February 17 2014, @01:39PM

      by mattie_p (13) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:39PM (#881) Journal

      We're trying to use it to spark conversation. I'm more than happy to post in the comments as well, but sometimes I feel an article needs a little something extra. Also, I can't get down-modded for my notes in the story. I'll bring this up with the other editors though and we'll try to come to a consensus we can all live with. Thanks for mentioning this upset you.

      • (Score: 1) by everdred on Monday February 17 2014, @02:03PM

        by everdred (110) on Monday February 17 2014, @02:03PM (#907) Homepage Journal

        I didn't find it obtrusive, but I definitely wouldn't want to see these all the time.

        --
        We don't take no shit from a machine.
        • (Score: 2) by mattie_p on Monday February 17 2014, @02:10PM

          by mattie_p (13) on Monday February 17 2014, @02:10PM (#914) Journal

          We just discussed this in the IRC and I'll be trying to avoid using this method. Thanks for the feedback!

  • (Score: 1) by CowboyNeal on Monday February 17 2014, @01:38PM

    by CowboyNeal (115) on Monday February 17 2014, @01:38PM (#880)

    Here's a video of the system printing Applejack:

    http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/216437/Computer -Wore-Tennis-Shoes-The-Movie-Clip-Applejack-Rainbo w.html [tcm.com]

    (What - is my age showing?)

  • (Score: 1) by tftp on Monday February 17 2014, @02:44PM

    by tftp (806) on Monday February 17 2014, @02:44PM (#935) Homepage

    But it's probably OK anyway. Plenty of children will want to print steampunk death ray guns to play with - and probably they will exchange parts because it's easier to do that than to buy all the colors. On the other hand, modern school admins will probably burn the death-ray-gun-wielding child at the stake, to save him from that menace.

  • (Score: 5, Interesting) by Phoenix666 on Monday February 17 2014, @03:58PM

    by Phoenix666 (552) on Monday February 17 2014, @03:58PM (#1005)

    There's also the ability to recover vanished toy systems. My brother is an engineer who always said he got his first interest in mechanical systems from playing with Capsella. You can't buy Capsella anymore. I'd like to be able to get a set for my kids, because I'd like for them to be similarly inspired. Being able to print out new modules would be perfect. Also, I used to love Legos. The Legos they sell now are so specific and heavily branded for whatever movie it is, that you can't just take them apart later and make other things. Being able to print out the good old generic blocks would, again, be excellent.

    Then there's the option to improve on toys that are out there. Want a transformer that turns into a plant instead of a car? Well, if you have 3D printer you can make one.

  • (Score: 2, Funny) by VLM on Monday February 17 2014, @05:02PM

    by VLM (445) on Monday February 17 2014, @05:02PM (#1077)

    Not a genuine toy without Chinese made lead paint.

  • (Score: 1) by freesword on Monday February 17 2014, @08:53PM

    by freesword (1018) on Monday February 17 2014, @08:53PM (#1232)

    From the Press Release:

    This partnership combines Hasbro's world-renowned portfolio of consumer brands, extensive play expertise and retail reach with 3DS' powerful portfolio of 3D printing products, platforms and perceptual devices to mainstream new and innovative play and co-creation experiences at home and online.

    What it really means:

    Hasbro is partnering wiht 3DS to do short run custom order production, hopefully at a generous markup.

  • (Score: 1) by ButchDeLoria on Tuesday February 18 2014, @02:10AM

    by ButchDeLoria (583) on Tuesday February 18 2014, @02:10AM (#1435)

    I can now finally come inside Rainbow Dash.