A method for the distributed manufacturing of an object includes steps of: providing one or more data files for at least one object associated with a branded product and/or service; including the object, images of the object, and/or references to the object, in marketing materials for the branded product or service; providing access to the one or more files via a network in exchange for traffic to a network location associated with the branded product and/or service; and having the objects manufactured using the one or more files accessed over the network.