Why should I become a member?

As of October 2011, 10BitWorks is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization as recognized by the state of Texas. 10BitWorks is a membership-supported DIY engineering project space and learning center concept known as a hackerspace. You no doubt have heard the term ‘hackerspace’ if you familiar with Lady Ada’s “Ask an Engineer” video podcast or have been to a Maker Faire.

You may also have heard about hackerspaces in the news such as this NPR radio segment, or this Wired magazine article, or you may even have seen us specifically on local TV.

Membership to our group will allow you to have representation and participation in the activities of the 10BitWorks hackerspace. By becoming a member you will be officially recognized by 10BitWorks and thereby ensure that you will receive the benefits of membership. In addition, it will help 10BitWorks strengthen its resources and better accomplish its objectives with your participation, support, contribution, and knowledge. Ultimately, as the membership strengthens, the 10BitWorks hackerspace will be in an even better position to serve you.

What are the benefits of membership?

Membership Benefits include:

• Official recognition as a 10BitWorks hackerspace member
• Eligibility to vote on 10BitWorks decisions (when applicable)
• Access to member’s only privileged information
• Access to member’s only events and activities
• Discounts on part orders (e.g. we have educational discounts with Sparkfun and AdaFruit)
• Access to equipment, tools, and materials (e.g. Reprap 3D printer, powertools, soldering irons, etc.)
• Access to the on-site network and internet-connectivity
• Access to our on-site book library

What does membership mean?

Being a member means you are an internal part and representative of the 10BitWorks hackerspace, a group dedicated to learning engineering concepts and promoting the DIY hacker culture of the hobbyist engineer while upholding high standards and principles of integrity and respect.

Who is eligible?

Membership to the 10BitWorks hackerspace is open to all individuals. Although the 10BitWorks hackerspace hopes to serve everyone interested, we do reserve the right to refuse anyone for any reason.

How much is membership?

Membership dues are $40 per month. We do offer discounts for students.

What are membership dues used for?

Typically, everyone pays for project materials out of their own pocket. With a greater membership count, we hope to one day offset personal costs. Monthly membership dues are used to pay for administrative expenses and project costs, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Rent of the shop
• Website hosting and SSL fees
• Online payment fees
• Invoicing fees
• Equipment and supplies
• Funding for 10BitWorks hackerspace programs and projects
• Member handouts and reference materials
• Flyers, pamphlets, CD’s and other materials used to promote the 10BitWorks hackerspace and its activities.
• Assistance in research and development expenses
• Assistance in sponsoring guest instructors for seminars
• Down payments for facilities used for special events

What happens after I become a member?

Before you can use receive any benefits of being a member you must present us with a copy of our terms and waivers with your signature as indication of your agreement with them.

Be sure to subscribe to the mailing-list to keep up with the 10BitWorks event and operating schedule.

Do I need to renew my membership?

Yes. Membership must be renewed monthly in order to continue to receive your membership benefits. You may auto-renew your membership in the following ways:

1. When you first sign-up, fill in the optional credit card information. You credit card information is stored on our third-party payment gateway server, never on our own servers. However, to make the auto-renew request to our third-party invoicing service we’ll need that information at that point in the process.
2. If you have already signed up but are not being auto-renewed: You will receive an invoice via email. Click through to pay the invoice. You will be presented with a drop-down menu with the option to have your credit card automatically charged for future invoices sent from that point onward.
3. If you are having trouble with getting it renewed, just let us know and we’ll help you take care of it

How do I become a member?

Becoming a member is easy. First, we recommend that you visit and meet other members at the shop. Access to the shop and resources therein are for members only but we welcome you to visit whenever we are open.

Second, you must be registered as a user on this web site for account management purposes and you must agree and sign our agreements and waivers. Please bring these signed waivers with you the next time you visit us.