diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 903794e80..193cbeb8f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
-# ethcore
+# [Parity](https://ethcore.io/parity.html)
+### Fast, light, and robust Ethereum implementation
 
 [![Build Status][travis-image]][travis-url] [![Coverage Status][coveralls-image]][coveralls-url] [![Join the chat at https://gitter.im/trogdoro/xiki][gitter-image]][gitter-url] [![GPLv3][license-image]][license-url]
 
@@ -11,30 +12,64 @@
 [license-image]: https://img.shields.io/badge/license-GPL%20v3-green.svg
 [license-url]: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
 
-[Documentation](http://ethcore.github.io/parity/ethcore/index.html)
+[Internal Documentation](http://ethcore.github.io/parity/ethcore/index.html)
 
-### Building from source
+----
 
-First (if you don't already have it) get multirust:
+## About Parity
+
+Parity's goal is to be the fastest, lightest, and most secure Ethereum client. We are developing Parity using the sophisticated and
+cutting-edge Rust programming language. Parity is licensed under the GPLv3, and can be used for all your Ethereum needs.
+
+By default, Parity will run a JSONRPC server on `127.0.0.1:8545`. This is fully configurable and supports a number
+of RPC APIs.
+
+Parity also runs a server for running decentralized apps, or "Dapps", on `http://127.0.0.1:8080`.
+This includes a few useful Dapps, including Ethereum Wallet, Maker OTC, and a node status page.
+In a near-future release, it will be easy to install Dapps and use them through this web interface.
+
+If you run into an issue while using parity, feel free to file one in this repository
+or hop on our [gitter chat room]([gitter-url]) to ask a question. We are glad to help!
+
+Parity's current release is 1.1. You can download it at https://ethcore.io/parity.html or follow the instructions
+below to build from source.
+
+----
+
+## Building from source
+
+Parity is fully compatible with Stable Rust.
+
+We recommend installing Rust through [multirust](https://github.com/brson/multirust). If you don't already have multirust, you can install it like this:
 
 - Linux:
 ```bash
-curl -sf https://raw.githubusercontent.com/brson/multirust/master/quick-install.sh | sh
+$ curl -sf https://raw.githubusercontent.com/brson/multirust/master/quick-install.sh | sh
 ```
 
 - OSX with Homebrew:
 ```bash
-brew update && brew install multirust
-multirust default stable
+$ brew update && brew install multirust
+$ multirust default stable
 ```
 
 Then, download and build Parity:
 
 ```bash
 # download Parity code
-git clone https://github.com/ethcore/parity
-cd parity
+$ git clone https://github.com/ethcore/parity
+$ cd parity
 
 # build in release mode
-cargo build --release
+$ cargo build --release
 ```
+
+This will produce an executable in the `target/release` subdirectory.
+Either run `cd target/release`, or copy `target/release/parity` to another location.
+
+To get started, just run
+```bash
+$ parity
+```
+
+and parity will begin syncing the Ethereum blockchain.
\ No newline at end of file