diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2edfe33..d162e45 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -8,11 +8,11 @@ not software or hardware vendors, by providing:
 
 * the ease-of-use of game consoles
 * access to any application that can be run, emulated, or virtualized in desktop Linux
-* with access controls similar to iOS Screen Time
+* with granular access controls inspired by and exceeding those in iOS Screen Time
 
 While this repository provides some recipes for existing software packages
-(including non-free software), shepherd-launcher is *non-prescriptive*: as the
-end user, you are free to use (or not use) them or write your own.
+(including non-free software), `shepherd-launcher` is *non-prescriptive*: as
+the end user, you are free to use them, not use them, or write your own.
 
 ## Screenshots
 
@@ -20,8 +20,8 @@ TODO:
 
 * home screen at different times showing different applications
 * modern proprietary application showcase (Minecraft, individual Steam games)
-* emulated application showcase (ScummVM games, 90s edutainment on Win9x, Waydroid)
-* externally managed ChromeOS Flex for access to school resources
+* emulated application showcase (ScummVM games, 90s edutainment on Win9x, Duolingo via Waydroid)
+* externally managed Chrome container for access to school resources
 * media showcase (local storage and individual titles from streaming services)
 * time limit popup
 * "token" system
@@ -31,15 +31,45 @@ TODO:
 tl;dr:
 
 1. any Linux with Wayland (optional: TPM-based FDE plus BIOS password to prevent tampering)
-2. Sway + config
-3. binaries (TODO: deployable package that depends on Sway and installs the config)
-4. test session on login
-5. configure auto-login to this session
+2. System dependencies (Ubuntu: `apt install curl sway swayidle pkg-config libcairo2-dev libxkbcommon-dev`)
+3. Rust (`curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh`)
+4. binaries (TODO: deployable package that depends on Sway and installs the config)
+5. test session on login
+6. configure auto-login to this session
 
 ## Usage
 
-TODO
+TODO: open lid; play
+
+## Core concepts
+
+* **Launcher-first**: only one foreground activity at a time
+* **Time-scoped execution**: applications are granted time slices, not unlimited sessions
+* **Parent-defined policy**: rules live outside the application being run
+* **Wrappers, not patches**: existing software is sandboxed, not modified
+* **Revocable access**: sessions end predictably and enforceably
 
 ## Recipes
 
 TODO
+
+* `.desktop` syntax plus rules (time allowance, time-of-day restrictions, network whitelist, etc.)
+* wrappers for common applications
+* how to write a custom wrapper or custom application
+
+## Development
+
+TODO: `./run-dev`, options
+
+## Contributing
+
+`shepherd-launcher` is licensed under the GPLv3 to preserve end-users' rights.
+By submitting a pull request, you agree to license your contributions under the
+GPLv3.
+
+Contributions written in part or in whole by generative AI are allowed;
+however, they will be reviewed as if you personally authored them.
+
+The authors of `shepherd-launcher` do not condone software or media piracy.
+Contributions that explicitly promote or facilitate piracy will be rejected.
+Please support developers and creators by obtaining content legally.