diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2ff998a..0001f24 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,9 +1,14 @@
 # Compose Specification Reference Implementation
+![Continuous integration](https://github.com/compose-spec/compose-ref/workflows/Continuous%20integration/badge.svg)
 
 ![logo](logo.png)
 
-This project host the reference implementation of the Compose specification. It is not designed for production use
-but to demonstrate implementation of Compose Specification on top of Docker API and offer a code base to experiment
-with changes being proposed to the Compose Specification.
+This repository hosts the reference implementation for the Compose
+specification. The purpose of this implementation is to provide a tool for
+Compose specification contributors to test changes to the specification and a
+code example for Compose specification implementers to understand how to
+implement the specification. It is not intended to be used 'as is' by end users
+or in production.
 
-![Continuous integration](https://github.com/compose-spec/compose-ref/workflows/Continuous%20integration/badge.svg)
\ No newline at end of file
+Before creating an issue or submitting a contribution, please read the
+[contributing guide](CONTRIBUTING.md).