# Getting in touch with the community
PlanktoScope is a completely open platform. The core of the PlanktoScope project is a basis in an evolving network of designers and users collaborating to increase the impact and availability of the tools. Building a community of users will enable PlanktoScope to grow with capabilities not yet imagined.
For around $500, and with parts freely available in most parts of the globe, any person with the desire to engage can begin building a PlanktoScope. This website contains the information needed to assemble, test, and begin collecting data on your PlanktoScope.
## Engage on GitHub
![GitHub](../images/community/github.png)
Feel free to visit the **GitHub** and engage if you want.
## Chat on Slack
![Slack](../images/community/slack.png)
The community is using **Slack** to communicate.
## Classify on EcoTaxa
![EcoTaxa](../images/community/ecotaxa.png)
To join **EcoTaxa**, you just need to create an account.