It's probably not seen as important as the marketplace by some folks, but it shouldn't be discredited. Besides some of us actually do like to make things just for the heck of it...

What I'd like to see regarding Free Stuff:

1. Thumbnail hosting. It's understandable that the downloadable files vary too much and probably take up bandwidth, but it would be nice to at least have the thumbnail hosted at Renderosity. 10KB, 200x200px max shouldn't cause that much overhead.

2. Comments and scoring. This would be a thing that the artist can turn on as with images in the gallery. People can then see what others think (is it worth downloading? -- might be an issue for the dialup users or those with nearly full drives), the item maker would get some feedback. Sometimes a pat on the back is all it takes to keep one going. Other times, a hard critique might be all it takes to get one to make improvements. Maybe even allow sorting based on items that are rated? Consistent good ratings might even encourage freebie makers to give the marketplace a shot.

3. A Free Stuff forum. There would be rules against ill-gotten goods (as applies in general already). But if someone knows where an artist is legitimately providing free content not specific to an application, it could be used to inform everyone. Also if an artist has released a new freebie, they could announce it without bothering or disrupting the marketplace or 3D modeling forums. (So not to be seen competing directly with sellers, and modelers usually tend to be more interested in technical details and process than end result item.) Also this would be the place to make requests for pro-bono work. (Not that they'd have much luck, but at least it would be the appropriate venue.)

Thanks for the suggestions:) We'll add the ones that we don't already have listed.

May i second all these item's :}

AND  ...one a money point ..when a freebee provider get feedback and help he may well become a merchant in a while ..and 99% chance he stays here on the MP when he starts selling his products .... 
I think this last point must be of intrest to R'O ... im on that point myself right now...
Greetz 
Chris

I agree Bar. A lot of vendors I believe start out making freestuff items to see how they will do and until they feel they have reached a level to begin selling in the Marketplace.

Agree with all points above.

Another freebie related item: the "recent top xxx" in freestuff doesn't work. It always displays the "top xxx of all times"

And - can the Freebie Provider of the Month return? I LIKED that.

I realy think that a Freebee Forum and a Freebee Showcase Gallerie wil make more people 
Getting feedback for the things they make.
And one day take the step to becomming a merchant, and when they got a "warm home" why whould they go elsewere..

Just my 2 euro cents

Chris

I like pauljs75's ideas, especially points 1 and 2.

Im so happy to see im not alone in this :}

Chris

I agree with everything as been said so far. Free stuff area is important because it attracts a lot of people, many people register here just to download free items, then they look at the pictures and finally go to the market place.
I support the three points of Pauljs75 post.

Question regarding Free stuff. Why does it take so long for it to appear after you post? I can understand 12 to 24 hours but 3 days? Just wondering.

I would think there's some evaluation going on. (At least I'd hope so.) To make sure it's not a rebadged/package copy of somebody elses work, nor some sheme to infect others with malware. Compliance with TOS and things like that.

Moe,

It should be done within 24 hours. Sometimes it may take longer if we are short on staff for the particuliar area that the freestuff pertains to but on the norm, its within 24 hours.
If you find it taking longer than that, just contact admin@renderosity.com and we will look into it for you.

Thanks