diff --git a/READ-1ST.txt b/READ-1ST.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ced0eb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/READ-1ST.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+'twander' QUICKSTART
+====================
+
+Everyone seems to hate reading documentation, so this is a fast-track
+to getting started with 'twander'.  However, a lot of time and
+skull-sweat went into writing THE DOCS and you really should take the
+time to read them if you want to truly understand this program and
+what it can do for you:
+
+- NOTE: 'twander' is a tool for experienced Power Users and
+  Programmers.  You need to understand the command shell and scripting
+  on your system in order to effectively use the program.  If you do
+  not, you will become quickly frustrated with 'twander', so spare
+  yourself the aggravation.
+
+- Unpack the distribution tarball someplace safe.
+
+- Installation is *manual*.  The only exception is on FreeBSD where
+  there is (or soon will be) a port for this program.  The 'Makefile'
+  in the distribution archive is only for the FreeBSD port and should
+  not be used elsewhere.  THE DOCS have a nice short section on
+  installation on various OSs.
+
+- The example '.twander' configuration file has everything commented
+  out.  If you start the program with this configuration, *you will
+  have no commands defined*.  Several simple Command Definition
+  examples can be found in this file, so you can get started quickly
+  by uncommenting one or more of them.  THE DOCS have a nice long
+  section on writing command definitions.
+
+- This is a very powerful program with a nifty little macro language.
+  You have to READ THE DOCS to really understand and exploit what's
+  going on here.
+
+- You would be well served to joing the 'twander-users' mailing list
+  as documented in THE DOCS.
+
+
+