This is my personal opinion. Others may have their own insight.
Participating in a well is not for the novice who does not understand the business. The operating expenses for a well (and perhaps several more) may be incurred for decades and decades from spud to plugging. The working interest owner needs to realize that they may also need to hire a good oil and gas attorney, accountant, get liability insurance-all of which cost money outside of the drilling of the well. You may have a great well and make a good return or you could have a less than good well and be saddled with joint interest billings for decades. I have heard of families in ND that are desperately trying to get rid of Working Interests that are wearing them down. The older generation individual that got into them may have been a geologist or landman who knew the risks, but the current family members do not know how to keep up with the paperwork and as families pass down rights and fractionate, many more people have a smaller share and may not want the hassle. Suggest that you speak with an experienced oil and gas attorney before choosing to participate. Get the pros and cons from a legal and accounting point of view.