Beta timer / Would love a beta key

I was just curious how the beta timer worked. Do you have to be online to get a key when the timer shows your name? Or is an email notification sent? Sorry if this has been posted before.

Every 5 min a random person (from all the registered, non beta users) get choosen, regardless if you are online or not, waiting for 5 mins or 5 monhts.
The only thing that "may" increase your chance, is "being active" in the Forums.
But your best bet to get a key is to participate on some of the giveaways here in the forum.