diff --git a/gems/bess/README.md b/gems/bess/README.md
index 95afd4bc..a666f136 100644
--- a/gems/bess/README.md
+++ b/gems/bess/README.md
@@ -1,25 +1,24 @@
 # Bess
-Short description and motivation.
+In order to simplify and make Houdini extensible, we move some of Houdini's setup and
+configuration into a separate Gem. We call this support library Bess, in honor of 
+Harry Houdini's wife and long-time assistant, Bess Houdini.
 
 ## Usage
-How to use my plugin.
+Everything you can get via `Bess` is accessible via `Houdini` in the main houdini app.
+
+As an example, let's say Bess has a string constant named `Bess::PRESTO`. From
+your Houdini app, you can use `Houdini::PRESTO` to access this constant. 
+
+We recommend using this pattern.
 
 ## Installation
-Add this line to your application's Gemfile:
+This really should only be used in Houdini itself for now.
 
 ```ruby
-gem 'bess'
+gem 'bess', path: 'gems/bess'
 ```
 
 And then execute:
 ```bash
 $ bundle
 ```
-
-Or install it yourself as:
-```bash
-$ gem install bess
-```
-
-## Contributing
-Contribution directions go here.