diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d49225b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# vers
+
+simple project to demonstrate bulding a tool with a compile-time adjusted
+value:
+
+```bash
+
+$ go install -ldflags=-X=mcquay.me/vers.Version=bleh mcquay.me/vers/cmd/vers
+$ vers
+version: bleh
+```