diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..863876ad4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,242 @@
+
+
+# Contributing
+
+#### Table of Contents
+
+1. [Introduction][Introduction]
+2. [Branches][Branches]
+3. [Testing][Testing]
+4. [Patches][Patches]
+
+## Introduction
+
+A roadmap of this project is located at https://github.com/Icinga/icinga2/milestones. Please consider
+this roadmap when you start contributing to the project.
+
+Before starting your work on Icinga 2, you should [fork the project](https://help.github.com/articles/fork-a-repo/)
+to your GitHub account. This allows you to freely experiment with your changes.
+When your changes are complete, submit a [pull request](https://help.github.com/articles/using-pull-requests/).
+All pull requests will be reviewed and merged if they suit some general guidelines:
+
+* Changes are located in a topic branch
+* For new functionality, proper tests are written
+* Changes should not solve certain problems on special environments
+
+## Branches
+
+Choosing a proper name for a branch helps us identify its purpose and possibly find an associated bug or feature.
+Generally a branch name should include a topic such as `fix` or `feature` followed by a description and an issue number
+if applicable. Branches should have only changes relevant to a specific issue.
+
+```
+git checkout -b fix/service-template-typo-1234
+git checkout -b feature/config-handling-1235
+```
+
+## Testing
+
+Basic unit test coverage is provided by running `make test` during package builds.
+Read the [INSTALL.md](INSTALL.md) file for more information about development builds.
+
+Snapshot packages from the laster development branch are available inside the
+[package repository](http://packages.icinga.com).
+
+You can help test-drive the latest Icinga 2 snapshot packages inside the
+[Icinga 2 Vagrant boxes](https://github.com/icinga/icinga-vagrant).
+
+
+## Patches
+
+### Source Code
+
+Icinga 2 is written in C++ and uses the Boost libraries. We are also using the C++11 standard where applicable (please
+note the minimum required compiler versions in the [INSTALL.md](INSTALL.md) file.
+
+Icinga 2 can be built on Linux/Unix and Windows clients. In order to develop patches for Icinga 2,
+you should prepare your own local build environment and know how to work with C++.
+
+More tips:
+
+* Requirements and source code installation is explained inside the [INSTALL.md](INSTALL.md) file.
+* Debug requirements and GDB instructions can be found in the [documentation](https://github.com/Icinga/icinga2/blob/master/doc/20-development.md).
+* If you are planning to debug a Windows client, setup a Windows environment with [Visual Studio](https://www.visualstudio.com/vs/community/). An example can be found in [this blogpost](https://blog.netways.de/2015/08/24/developing-icinga-2-on-windows-10-using-visual-studio-2015/).
+
+### Update the Documentation
+
+The documentation is written in GitHub flavored [Markdown](https://guides.github.com/features/mastering-markdown/).
+It is located in the `doc/` directory and can be edited with your preferred editor. You can also
+edit it online on GitHub.
+
+```
+vim doc/2-getting-started.md
+```
+
+In order to review and test changes, you can install the [mkdocs](http://www.mkdocs.org) Python library.
+
+```
+pip install mkdocs
+```
+
+This allows you to start a local mkdocs viewer instance on http://localhost:8000
+
+```
+mkdocs serve
+```
+
+Changes on the chapter layout can be done inside the `mkdocs.yml` file in the main tree.
+
+There also is a script to ensure that relative URLs to other sections are updated. This script
+also checks for broken URLs.
+
+```
+./doc/update-links.py doc/*.md
+```
+
+### Contribute CheckCommand Definitions
+
+The Icinga Template Library (ITL) and its plugin check commands provide a variety of CheckCommand
+object definitions which can be included on-demand.
+
+Advantages of sending them upstream:
+
+* Everyone can use and update/fix them.
+* One single place for configuration and documentation.
+* Developers may suggest updates and help with best practices.
+* You don't need to care about copying the command definitions to your satellites and clients.
+
+#### Where do I start?
+
+Get to know the check plugin and its options. Read the general documentation on how to integrate
+your check plugins and how to create a good CheckCommand definition.
+
+A good command definition uses:
+
+* Command arguments including `value`, `description`, optional: `set_if`, `required`, etc.
+* Comments `/* ... */` to describe difficult parts.
+* Command name as prefix for the custom attributes referenced (e.g. `disk_`)
+* Default values
+ * If `host.address` is involved, set a custom attribute (e.g. `ping_address`) to the default `$address$`. This allows users to override the host's address later on by setting the custom attribute inside the service apply definitions.
+ * If the plugin is also capable to use ipv6, import the `ipv4-or-ipv6` template and use `$check_address$` instead of `$address$`. This allows to fall back to ipv6 if only this address is set.
+ * If `set_if` is involved, ensure to specify a sane default value if required.
+* Templates if there are multiple plugins with the same basic behaviour (e.g. ping4 and ping6).
+* Your love and enthusiasm in making it the perfect CheckCommand.
+
+#### I have created a CheckCommand, what now?
+
+Icinga 2 developers love documentation. This isn't just because we want to annoy anyone sending a patch,
+it's a matter of making your contribution visible to the community.
+
+Your patch should consist of 2 parts:
+
+* The CheckCommand definition.
+* The documentation bits.
+
+[Fork the repository](https://help.github.com/articles/fork-a-repo/) and ensure that the master branch is up-to-date.
+
+Create a new fix or feature branch and start your work.
+
+```
+git checkout -b feature/itl-check-printer
+```
+
+#### Add CheckCommand Definition to Contrib Plugins
+
+There already exists a defined structure for contributed plugins. Navigate to `itl/plugins-contrib.d`
+and verify where your command definitions fits into.
+
+```
+cd itl/plugins-contrib.d/
+ls
+```
+
+If you want to add or modify an existing Monitoring Plugin please use `itl/command-plugins.conf` instead.
+
+```
+vim itl/command-plugins-conf
+```
+
+##### Existing Configuration File
+
+Just edit it, and add your CheckCommand definition.
+
+```
+vim operating-system.conf
+```
+
+Proceed to the documentation.
+
+##### New type for CheckCommand Definition
+
+Create a new file with .conf suffix.
+
+```
+ $ vim printer.conf
+```
+
+Add the file to `itl/CMakeLists.txt` in the FILES line in **alpha-numeric order**.
+This ensures that the installation and packages properly include your newly created file.
+
+```
+vim CMakeLists.txt
+
+-FILES ipmi.conf network-components.conf operating-system.conf virtualization.conf vmware.conf
++FILES ipmi.conf network-components.conf operating-system.conf printer.conf virtualization.conf vmware.conf
+```
+
+Add the newly created file to your git commit.
+
+```
+git add printer.conf
+```
+
+Do not commit it yet but finish with the documentation.
+
+#### Create CheckCommand Documentation
+
+Edit the documentation file in the `doc/` directory. More details on documentation
+updates can be found [here](CONTRIBUTING.md#contributing-documentation).
+
+```
+vim doc/7-icinga-template-library.md
+```
+
+The CheckCommand documentation should be located in the same chapter
+similar to the configuration file you have just added/modified.
+
+Create a section for your plugin, add a description and a table of parameters. Each parameter should have at least:
+
+* optional or required
+* description of its purpose
+* the default value, if any
+
+Look at the existing documentation and "copy" the same style and layout.
+
+
+#### Send a Patch
+
+Commit your changes which includes a descriptive commit message.
+
+```
+git commit -av
+Add printer CheckCommand definition
+
+Explain its purpose and possible enhancements/shortcomings.
+
+refs #existingticketnumberifany
+```
+Push the branch to the remote origin and create a [pull request](https://help.github.com/articles/using-pull-requests/).
+
+```
+git push --set-upstream origin feature/itl-check-printer
+hub pull-request
+```
+
+In case developers ask for changes during review, please add them
+to the branch and push those changes.
+
+
+[Introduction]: #contributing-intro
+[Branches]: #contributing-branches
+[Testing]: #contributing-testing
+[Patches]: #contributing-patches
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 441d0fba5..7a90b75e8 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
3. [Installation][Installation]
4. [Documentation][Documentation]
5. [Support][Support]
-6. [Development and Contributions][Development]
+6. [Contributing][Contributing]
## About
@@ -48,41 +48,19 @@ Check the project website at https://www.icinga.com for status updates. Join the
[community channels](https://www.icinga.com/community/get-involved/) for questions
or ask an Icinga partner for [professional support](https://www.icinga.com/services/support/).
-## Development
-
-The Git repository is located on [GitHub](https://github.com/Icinga/icinga2).
-
-Icinga 2 is written in C++ and can be built on Linux/Unix and Windows.
-Read more about development builds in the [INSTALL.md](INSTALL.md) file.
-
-### Contributing
+## Contributing
There are many ways to contribute to Icinga -- whether it be sending patches,
testing, reporting bugs, or reviewing and updating the documentation. Every
contribution is appreciated!
-Please read the [contributing section](https://www.icinga.com/community/get-involved/)
-first. Then you should have a look at the [roadmap](https://github.com/Icinga/icinga2/milestones)
-and remaining [open issues](https://github.com/Icinga/icinga2/issues).
-
-Pick issues you want to help resolve, fork the [repository on GitHub](https://github.com/Icinga/icinga2)
-and send a pull request with your changes. Thanks for your contribution!
-
-### Testing
-
-Basic unit test coverage is provided by running `make test` during package builds.
-Read the [INSTALL.md](INSTALL.md) file for more information about development builds.
-
-Snapshot packages from the laster development branch are available inside the
-[package repository](http://packages.icinga.com).
-
-You can help test-drive the latest Icinga 2 snapshot packages inside the
-[Icinga 2 Vagrant boxes](https://github.com/icinga/icinga-vagrant).
+Please continue reading in the [Contributing chapter](CONTRIBUTING.md).
+
[About]: #about
[License]: #license
[Installation]: #installation
[Documentation]: #documentation
[Support]: #support
-[Development]: #development
+[Contributing]: #contributing