Yes, the handwriting on the wall is clear. Eventually they will force all the little guys out, because the shareholders and the value of the shares are first priority. The little guys helped them get started but are no longer needed.
Today Shapeways became publicly trading company on the NYSE. You can check them out under SHPW
This is no longer company devoted to helping small makers sell their creations to the public. They are continuing doing this as their marginal activity while their big investors pushing them towards industrial grade manufacturing, from prototyping through full production. All their latest investments in machinery and materials seems to support this new direction.
Darius
Truly sad. There is significant dissatisfaction amoung quality desiners. Is there a significant printer out there willing to take on these designers, willing to give them exposure and buyers a place to browse and buy? I know of 2 that offer to privately print the designes Shapeways refuses to print, but neither want to lose the presence and visibility Shapeways give to designers and their models. It is a problem, and it appears that Shapeways will only continue to treat quality designers and their customers badly.
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