Unfair competition is one of the big problems we suffer here (and in all 3D markets). It is directly related (among other things) to unlicensed software (or student license) and to stolen models. It is easily demonstrable, it is harmful and that is why it is illegal. CGT should end this immediately. It is unacceptable that it is boasted about it publicly. In many countries there are laws against unfair competition, including the US and the EU, and agencies that can be called upon to report. These agencies are independent and can also act on their own initiative. It is time for ALL of us to join together to fight this.
The idea of asking for software invoices seems to me to be a good idea, easily implemented and already contemplated in internal standards. Many of the users with stolen models have inconsistencies in the file formats (different software and versions for each model, almost always obsolete), which are either pirated versions, or will not have the indicated software. Sometimes, there is not even a native format. The simple presentation of the invoice in the process of registering the seller would eliminate many of these problems and obviously regulate the prices. We would all win.
Another example: 11 quality models, which the original author sells for more than $ 1,000, this user sells them for $ 2
https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/vehicle/motorcycle/11-vehicles-3d-models
It is shameful. If I had invested a few hours in making them and a few dollars in licenses, I would not sell them at that price.
Another example, could be the user who has been asking in the forum for several days how to modify a DAZ model, I suppose it will be to hide the evidence. In a few days it may be on sale for a couple of dollars. There are many cases of these. That is why mesh catches are important and in any "premium" model they should be mandatory. What translated means in ALL, because here, everything that is not free is premium, although the truth is, as far as presentation is concerned, most suspend (without any information, few images or 1 repeated several times .. )
As long as this type of thing / people is not finished, the market is doomed to extinction, such as telephone booths. Those affected, especially those most affected and with such obvious and substantial evidence, should denounce, because in addition to the economic compensation (high in their case), it would serve to make people aware of their rights and obligations, and of serious consequences that these behaviors can have. If the cheats go unpunished they will not be long in coming back.
CGT should also move token, as an affected part that it is, (like all of us), it would be a strategic movement that would attract quality buyers. Because let's not fool ourselves, those who buy quality models for prices far below their real value, know perfectly the dubious origin of the model, and that is also a crime. It is not the ideal type of customer for any business and also leave little benefit. They are like those who go to a restaurant, but they take the food from home and only consume a soda, the owner of a luxury restaurant would not allow it, but maybe the one in the neighborhood picnic area, yes.
They miss original and quality models, probably good modelers have looked for something more profitable to do. Many of the new models that are seen every day are neither new nor quality, because they have been going around for years (and decades) around pirate pages. Even some of the modeling assumptions are not even, and the accounts are used for other things. All this hurts us all greatly.