diff --git a/doc/help b/doc/help
index 662fd666ac..5b60072e26 100644
--- a/doc/help
+++ b/doc/help
@@ -1,3 +1,21 @@
+%%site.name%% is a **microblogging service**. Users post short (140
+character) notices which are broadcast to their friends and fans using
+the Web, RSS, or instant messages.
+
+If you'd like to try it out, first [register](%%action.register%%) a new account.
+Then, on the [public timeline](%%action.public%%), enter your message into
+the textbox at the top of the page, and click "Send". It will go out on the
+public timeline and to anyone who is subscribed to your notices (probably nobody,
+at first).
+
+To subscribe to other people's notifications, go to their profile page
+and click the "subscribe" button. They'll get a notice that you're now
+subscribed to their notifications, and, who knows?, they might subscribe
+back.
+
+More help
+---------
+
 Here are some documents that you might find helpful in understanding
 %%site.name%% and how to use it.