diff --git a/README b/README
index e57793804..c57a1f19e 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
-This is a dummy place holder file
+This is a dummy place holder file.
 
 Please read README.in or generate README by running a build.
+
+(A README file must exist when running automake.)