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CONTRIBUTING.md

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+# Contributing to Confd
+
+Want to hack on Confd? Awesome! Here are instructions to get you started. They are probably not
+perfect, please let us know if anything feels wrong or incomplete.
+
+# Who are the Maintainers?
+
+## BDFL
+
+Confd follows the timeless, highly efficient and totally unfair system known as [Benevolent dictator
+for life](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benevolent_Dictator_for_Life).
+
+Kelsey Hightower - the creator of Confd - serves as the project's BDFL. Kelsey serves as the final
+arbiter of any disputes and has the final say on project direction.
+
+## Core Maintainers
+
+Core maintainers are exceptionally knowledgeable about Confd. Core maintainers are responsible for
+the following:
+
+ - respond to github issues, review and merge pull requests
+ - help shape confd's roadmap
+ - actively participate in feature development and general maintenance
+ - answer and help users in #confd
+ - interview and recruit new members as contributing maintainers
+
+Pull requests which are considered minor or "showstoppers" can be merged with at least one core maintainer's
+LGTM, otherwise they need approval from the BDFL.
+
+### Who assigns maintainers?
+
+Kelsey.
+
+### How can I become a maintainer?
+
+ - make yourself useful by contributing code, bugfixes, support etc.
+ - volunteer on the irc channel
+
+Don't forget: being a maintainer is a time investment. Make sure you will have time to make
+yourself available. You don't have to be a maintainer to make a difference on the project!