##Join the Beta program
We are offering prototype lasercut versions of the new Oil Testing Kit to folks interested in helping test and refine it. Ideal members of the beta program have some time to assemble and troubleshoot, as well as a local case of oil pollution (even motor oil in a parking lot!) they are hoping to assess.
Please email stevie@publiclab.org to join the beta program. We will soon have a signup form here as well.
###Responsibilities
Each member of the Beta program will be required to:
* Create a profile on PublicLab.org (if you don't already have one)
* Join the [plots-spectrometry list](/lists) (in the left-hand sidebar of this page!)
* [Post](/post) about the questions they're trying to answer with the kit
* Share input and updates about their use of the kit (see [Share your work](#Share+your+work) below)
* Post unboxing photos & tweet them with @PublicLab & #OilTestingKit!
* Build and document their beta kit and sample preparation process
* Make suggestions for improvement to the build process & documentation
* Help to refine and expand the online documentation at the Public Lab Wiki (especially the [Oil Testing Kit page](/wiki/oil-testing-kit)
* Attend a few online meet-ups to chat with other Beta Program members (times to be announced)
Suggestions and input will be integrated into the final release of the kit
##Share your work
Participating as a member of the Beta program means that you've volunteered to share feedback, notes, and suggestions about your use of the kit. Click here to post notes of any length, and be sure to include photos!
Post about your beta oil testing kit
Suggested topics for sharing:
* **Construction or setup issues** - help fix them by documenting with photo or video!
* **Field reports** - pictures and report-backs from collecting oil samples outdoors
* **Background** - tell the story of why you're hoping to affordably identify oil contamination
* **Fixes and hacks** - did you figure out a way to improve the kit?
* **Related work** - share published papers, input from colleagues, related projects
##Example post:
> Hi, I'm Zaphod Beeblebrox, a member of the OTK Beta program. I just got my kit and assembled it (see [this post](#)) but wanted to post about the sample collection work we did yesterday. I'm monitoring motor oil runoff in a parking lot in my neighborhood, where I often seen sheens when it rains. So I went on a dry day (see the picture below) and...
###Alpha program
Before the Beta program, we sent out about 20 prototype "alpha" kits to people around the US to give the oil test kit a try, and refine it to get ready for a bigger release. If you have one **please share what you've done with it** and post any ideas, feedback, complaints, suggestions, questions and modifications you have by using this button:
Post about your alpha oil testing kit