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 # Monterey Phoenix - Trace Generator
 
+The "Monterey Phoenix System and Software Behavior Modeling Tool" is the source code for the computational engine for MP. Currently, the code runs on Mac and Linux operating systems. 
+ 
+Rewriting this code according to your own style may be tempting, but be forewarned about the amount of time and level of challenge involved in such a task. This code is a product of over a decade of development, refinement and optimization. Please consider carefully any ideas for changes you have for this code, given it was shaped by many different angles of attack over the years.  There is a reason behind every implementation decision.  The heuristic “Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it” has been applied (Alan Perlis, Epigrams on Programming, http://www.cs.yale.edu/homes/perlis-alan/quotes.html).   
+ 
+That being said, this code is put forth to invite creativity, ingenuity and fresh perspectives from the larger community to make it the best it can be.  We welcome your ideas for improvement!  You should, of course, have experience with MP modeling from a user perspective before diving into development.  There is an in-depth MP Manual available, a 2-hour MP-Firebird tutorial, and 40+ preloaded MP model examples on MP-Firebird under the Import menu.  These resources are linked from the MP website at https://wiki.nps.edu/display/MP/Monterey+Phoenix+Home.
+ 
+### Note for developers
+This repository uses a centralized workflow.  The master branch is the default development branch and represents the "gold standard” implementation approved by the core MP development team.  This repository is currently being maintained by Mikhail Auguston (NPS Professor Emeritus) and Mike Collins (Laboratory for Advanced Cybersecurity Research).  
+
 ## Setup/Requirements
 * C++ compiler
 * Bash compatible command line