diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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@@ -3,7 +3,19 @@
 [![GitHub CI workflow](https://github.com/yzernik/squeaknode/actions/workflows/main.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/yzernik/squeaknode/actions/workflows/main.yml)
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-Node for [Squeak protocol](https://github.com/yzernik/squeak/blob/master/docs/PROTOCOL.md)
+A peer-to-peer status feed with posts unlocked by Lightning.
+
+Squeaknode allows you to create, view, buy, and sell squeaks.
+
+A squeak is an immutable structure that:
+* contains 280 utf-8 characters of text
+* optionally contains the hash of another squeak as a reply
+* contains the height and block hash of the latest bitcoin block
+* contains the public key of the author, and is signed by the author
+* is encrypted until a lightning payment unlocks the text
+
+The protocol is defined [here](https://github.com/yzernik/squeak/blob/master/docs/PROTOCOL.md).
+
 
 ## Installation