I think it's confusing about how much and how often a maker is paid. Do you have to earn a specific amount prior to being paid out? I guess I'm also confused a

I think it's confusing about how much and how often a maker is paid. Do you have to earn a specific amount prior to being paid out? I guess I'm also confused about how you differ from Shapeways as either a Maker or a consumer. How you differ from Thingiverse makes sense, as there's obviously a "pay to get this printed" model here.