diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3593ddd..bbb2862 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -45,11 +45,18 @@
 you think golint could statically check,
 [file an issue](https://github.com/golang/lint/issues).
 
+## Scope
+
+Golint is meant to carry out the stylistic conventions put forth in
+[Effective Go](https://golang.org/doc/effective_go.html) and
+[CodeReviewComments](https://golang.org/wiki/CodeReviewComments).
+Changes that are not aligned with those documents will not be considered at this time.
+
 ## Contributions
 
-Contributions to this project are welcome, though please send mail before
-starting work on anything major. Contributors retain their copyright, so we
-need you to fill out
+Contributions to this project are welcome provided they are [in scope](#scope),
+though please send mail before starting work on anything major.
+Contributors retain their copyright, so we need you to fill out
 [a short form](https://developers.google.com/open-source/cla/individual)
 before we can accept your contribution.