bendichter · Dec 16, 2025 · Sep 16, 2026 · Sep 16, 2026
diff --git a/readme.md b/readme.md
@@ -1,22 +1,176 @@
 # Neurodata Without Borders Website
 
-This website uses HUGO. See more starters at https://github.com/hugo-starters/
+This is the source of [nwb.org](https://www.nwb.org). The site is built with [Hugo](https://gohugo.io/); see more starters at https://github.com/hugo-starters/.
 
-To run the website locally, clone the repo and run the following commands:
+Preview builds of pull requests are generated automatically by the Netlify GitHub App using @bendichter's Netlify account.
+
+This website is meant as a community resource maintainable by the community. If you have a tool that integrates with NWB, an archive that accepts NWB files, an electronic course that teaches NWB, an NWB-related event, or similar content, feel free to create a PR directly on this repository. The rest of this file explains how.
+
+## Contributing to the website
+
+### Overview
+
+The NWB website is hosted on GitHub at [NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io](https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io). The site is built using [Hugo](https://gohugo.io/), a fast and flexible static site generator.
+
+### Quick Edits (For Small Changes)
+
+For minor edits like fixing typos or updating text, you can edit files directly on GitHub:
+
+1. Navigate to the [repository](https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io)
+2. Find the file you want to edit in the `content/` directory
+3. Click the pencil icon (✏️) to edit the file
+4. Make your changes
+5. Scroll down and create a commit message describing your change
+6. Select "Create a new branch for this commit and start a pull request"
+7. Submit the pull request
+
+### Local Development (For Larger Changes)
+
+For more substantial contributions, we recommend setting up the site locally.
+
+#### Prerequisites
+
+- [Git](https://git-scm.com/downloads)
+- [Hugo](https://gohugo.io/installation/) (extended version recommended)
+- [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/) (for asset processing)
+
+#### Step 1: Fork and Clone the Repository
+
+1. Fork the repository by clicking the "Fork" button at [https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io](https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io)
+
+2. Clone your fork locally:
 
 ```bash
-git clone https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io.git
+git clone https://github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io.git
 cd neurodatawithoutborders.github.io
 ```
 
-Run hugo
+3. Add the upstream remote:
+
+```bash
+git remote add upstream https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io.git
+```
+
+#### Step 2: Install Dependencies
+
+```bash
+npm install
+```
+
+#### Step 3: Run the Development Server
 
 ```bash
 hugo server -D
 ```
-Then open your browser and go to http://localhost:1313/
 
-Note: Preview PRs are automatically generated through integration with the Netlify GitHub App using @bendichter's Netlify account.
+This will start a local server on port 1313 (open `localhost:1313` in your browser). The site will automatically reload when you make changes.
+
+#### Step 4: Make Your Changes
+
+Create a new branch for your changes:
+
+```bash
+git checkout -b my-feature-branch
+```
+
+Make your edits to the relevant files in the `content/` directory.
+
+#### Step 5: Submit a Pull Request
+
+1. Commit your changes:
+
+```bash
+git add .
+git commit -m "Description of your changes"
+```
+
+2. Push to your fork:
+
+```bash
+git push origin my-feature-branch
+```
+
+3. Go to the [original repository](https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io) and click "New Pull Request"
+
+4. Select your branch and submit the pull request with a clear description of your changes
+
+### Content Structure
+
+The website content is organized in the `content/` directory:
+
+| Directory | Description |
+|-----------|-------------|
+| `content/about-nwb/` | Information about NWB |
+| `content/events/` | Event pages and announcements |
+| `content/news/` | News articles and updates |
+| `content/tools/` | Software tools (core and community) |
+| `content/publications/` | Publications, papers, and citations |
+| `content/faq/` | Frequently asked questions |
+| `content/community/` | Community resources |
+
+### Adding New Content
+
+### Adding a News Post
+
+Create a new markdown file in `content/news/`:
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: "Your News Title"
+date: 2025-01-15
+---
+
+Your news content here...
+```
+
+### Adding an Event
+
+Create a new markdown file in `content/events/`:
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: "Event Name"
+date: 2025-01-15
+event_date: "January 20-22, 2025"
+location: "Location Name"
+---
+
+Event description and details...
+```
+
+### Adding a Community Tool
+
+See our dedicated guide: [Integrating Community Software with NWB](https://www.nwb.org/contributing-tools/)
+
+### Page Format
+
+Most pages use Markdown with YAML front matter. The front matter includes metadata like:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: "Page Title"
+description: "Brief description of the page"
+weight: 1  # Optional: controls ordering in lists
+---
+```
+
+### Style Guidelines
+
+- Use clear, concise language
+- Follow existing formatting conventions
+- Include links to relevant resources
+- Add images to `static/images/` and reference them in your content
+- Test all links before submitting
+
+### Getting Help
+
+If you have questions or need assistance:
+
+- Open an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/neurodatawithoutborders.github.io/issues)
+- Visit the [NWB Help Desk](https://github.com/NeurodataWithoutBorders/helpdesk/discussions)
+- Join the [NWB Slack workspace](https://nwb-users.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-9bsx3xdj-wtUILLNzM8a0mOV_RywS~Q#/shared-invite/email)
+- Contact us through the [Contact Us](https://www.nwb.org/contact-us/) page
 
+### Code of Conduct
 
-This website is meant as a community resource maintainable by the community. If you have a tool that integrates with NWB, and archive that accepts NWB files, an electronic course that teaches NWB, an NWB-related event, or similar content, feel free to create a PR directly on this repository.
+All contributors are expected to follow our [Code of Conduct](https://www.nwb.org/code_of_conduct/).