simple contrib guidelines #17

README.md

@@ -41,3 +41,23 @@ Advanced Commands:
 
 Use "ipfs help <command>" for more information about a command.
 ```
+
+## Contributing
+
+go-ipfs is MIT licensed open source software. We welcome contributions big and small! Please make sure to check the [issues](https://github.com/jbenet/go-ipfs/issues). Search the closed ones before reporting things, and help us with the open ones.
+
+Guidelines:
+
+- please adhere to the protocol described in [the main ipfs repo](https://github.com/jbenet/ipfs) and [paper](http://static.benet.ai/t/ipfs.pdf).
+- please make branches + pull-request, even if working on the main repository
+- ask questions or talk about things in [Issues](https://github.com/jbenet/go-ipfs/issues) or #ipfs on freenode.
+- ensure you are able to contribute (no legal issues please-- we'll probably setup a CLA)
+- run `go fmt` before pushing any code
+- run `golint` and `go vet` too -- some things (like protobuf files) are expected to fail.
+- if you'd like to work on ipfs part-time (20+ hrs/wk) or full-time (40+ hrs/wk), contact [@jbenet](https://github.com/jbenet)
+- have fun!
+
+
+## License
+
+MIT