diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 92f1969..d38cefa 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,6 +1,23 @@
-this is wip
+# QOTD daemon
 
-the idea was to create a uiua program that serves the [qotd port
+> [! CAUTION]
+> This is WIP
+
+The idea was to create a uiua program that serves the [qotd port
 17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QOTD) then host it on one of pvv's machines.
 this to learn about socket programming in uiua, and to show some love to the
 oft-forgotten port 17.
+
+## Building and running
+
+**Build:**
+
+```console
+$ nix build
+```
+
+**Run in VM:**
+
+```console
+$ nix run .#vm
+```