diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 2556e45e..769e943d 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -2,3 +2,4 @@ node_modules/
 test-results/
 nexus/__pycache__/
 tests/__pycache__/
+.aider*
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a9a791cf..f4bff663 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ It is meant to become two things at once:
 - a local-first training ground for Timmy
 - a wizardly visualization surface for the living system
 
+## Contribution Policy
+
+For contribution guidelines and branch protection rules, see [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md).
+
 ## Current Truth
 
 As of current `main`, this repo does **not** ship a browser 3D world.