diff --git a/spartan.md b/spartan.md
index 7bb0137..7c7c4d2 100644
--- a/spartan.md
+++ b/spartan.md
@@ -86,3 +86,58 @@ alternatively you could send input directly in gelim:
 
 (note: `-I` is so gelim quits immediately after displaying output, `-i` is for
 sending the input)
+
+
+### greeter example
+
+what makes spartan distinct from gemini is the ability to send in data together
+with any spartan request. for example, try doing:
+
+    gelim spartan://mozz.us/echo -Ii 'hello spartan'
+
+this sends the data "hello spartan" along to the request, and the `/echo` path
+of `mozz.us` server would then echo back whatever you've sent it, in this case,
+"hello spartan".
+
+you can make your own echo CGI script too! first, create a new executable file
+for your script:
+
+    mkdir ~/public_spartan
+    cd ~/public_spartan
+    touch echo.sh
+    chmod o+x echo.sh
+
+then open the script with the editor of your choice and add the following:
+
+    #!/usr/bin/env sh
+
+    printf "2 application/octet-stream\r\n"
+    cat /dev/stdin
+
+save the script, then try it out!
+
+    gelim spartan://username.tilde.cafe/echo.sh -Ii 'this is my input'
+
+it's that easy :) remember to replace `username` with your username and
+`echo.sh` to the path of your script
+
+next, let's try building a simple greeter program.
+
+create a new file that will hold your script, make it executable, then put the
+following in:
+
+    #!/usr/bin/env sh
+
+    printf "2 text/plain\r\n"
+    name=$(cat /dev/stdin)
+    echo "Hello, ${name:-World}!"
+
+simple, right? let's try it out!
+
+    gelim spartan//username.tilde.cafe/greet.sh -Ii 'yourname'
+
+replace `username` with your username, `greet.sh` with the path to your script,
+and `yourname` to anything you like.
+
+feel free to drop by `#spartan` or `#cafe` on [tilde.chat irc](irc.html) if you have
+questions.