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The lab was brought into existence by Ethan O'Toole, Erik Beebe, and Geoff Parsons. We funded it initially, our names are on the lease, and we put quite a bit of work, effort and materials into the lab.

Sometimes the lab is host to open-to-all events. These are posted on the calendar, and sometimes (hopefully) advertised on a number of mailing lists.

For those interested in becoming a member of the space, we generally reserve this for people we know and trust. To get to know us, all you have to do is participate in the forementioned events. We are not a business, and the lab is not setup to make a profit. We see it as more of a meeting space, and perhaps incubation of other companies will start from relationships formed.

From members, respect for the space, the equipment and the tools is a must. Members will get access to the space and resources, but need to work together if there are time conflicts. There will be a calendar of events. The lab is located near neighboring businesses, and we need to be good neighbors. It's not a place for parties. Open lab days are well publicized.

If you are interested in becoming a member, come out on the open lab times listed on the calendar. Get to know us, let us get to know you.

We need membership to cover the costs of the space, but at the same time we want to cause no issues with the landlords or neighbors, and it boils down to making sure that the lab moves forward with it's intended purpose in mind.

Suggested membership dues are currently $50/month, with a 6 month commitment. This is greatly needed to help cut down the montly costs for Ethan and Geoff (Which is easily $600 each for the base things, not getting into other equipment and project supplies purchased.) If you have the ability to pay more, it's welcome! If you have no ability to pay the $50 but are highly interested, let's talk. We can't trade equipment for membership because the landlord doesn't accept old PC parts for rent

We are way open about finances.

Every member is responsible for themselves and their guests.

Spouses and such are totally welcome without a separate payment, this ain't Busch Gardens.

If one person has a membership and is always there with the same guests, that might hurt a bit since well, someone has to pay for it.

We have a paypal account to handle payments, but should also be able to do checks. This is setup strictly 100% to pay the landlord. It's a separate paypal account tied to a separate checking account that just writes and check to the landlord. That's the money system.

The lab does need to grow to be sustainable long term, but we want to do it in a controlled manner.

We know it's a balancing act.

The lab is not a non-profit organization at this time. It's not a business. It's a lab space rented by friends and shared with friends to work on things. It's not meant to make a profit. We want to see companies spawn out of the lab. We want to see innovation in the USA. The lab does not have room to facilitate companies running out of it, though (Perhaps HRTC HRTI is the next step for some?). Of course there might be space in the same building. At this point in time we do not have the resources or time to file as a non-profit or a business. We will see if the lab makes it past 1 year, then look to change all of this. We're testing the waters to see if Hampton Roads can support the awesome space that exists now.

The “board” could be considered the three people mentioned above. Members don't get an equal vote, but can make suggestions. We are just going to run it, and skip all the headache and wasted time of countless meetings of bureaucracy. The money goes to pay for it. We're completely open about the finances. We're open to suggestions of course, and flexible.

While we aren't a non-profit, donations are still appreciated. What's the tax break on a $100 donation anyways? If a local company wishes to sponsor the lab, our initial means to do this will be by selling banner advertisement space on the labs homepage.

The lab is expected to reach a good portion of the technical community in Hampton Roads, so there may be benefit in supporting it via banner advertisements.

• Membership makes the space go
  • It's what keeps the lab alive
• Membership gets people access to the space
  • This is 24x7x365
  • Members get a personalized RFID / ProxCard
  • Members are expected to observe the calendar for large meetings
    • We may have the ability to facilitate two meetings at once, we'll see
    • Members can have meetings*
  • Parking is limited during Monday-Friday during business hours
    • On street parking (limited to 2 hours)
    • Garage parking at the York Street Garage (cost a couple dollars)
    • If we make it that long and landlord doesn't play tricks, then space is light rail accessible
  • Parking is great after business hours and on the weekends
• More to come (We're working all this out)

• List of current members goes here, once this is started