diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 72ec4dc7..1a8af7d8 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -5,9 +5,9 @@ be followed that will make it much easier for me to solve your issue or get
 your code merged.
 
 1. Use GitHub Issues or Pull Requests over sending an email. It's much easier for me to keep track of your issue through GitHub.
-2. For _compiler issues_, please provide both a gist for the _source definition(s)_ as well as the _generated output_ (if any).
-3. For _pull requests_ for _existing issues or functionality_, please use the _base branch `2-7-stable`_ for the pull request. This helps us maintain a stable gem release strategy. All commits merged to `2-7-stable` will also be merged down to `master`.
-4. For _pull requests_ for _new functionality_, please use the _base branch `master`_ for the pull request. The `master` branch is used to stage all "next iteration" work.
+2. For __compiler issues__, please provide both a gist for the __source definition(s)__ as well as the __generated output__ (if any).
+3. For __pull requests__ for __existing issues or functionality__, please use the __base branch `2-7-stable`__ for the pull request. This helps us maintain a stable gem release strategy. All commits merged to `2-7-stable` will also be merged down to `master`.
+4. For __pull requests__ for __new functionality__, please use the __base branch `master`__ for the pull request. The `master` branch is used to stage all "next iteration" work.
 5. Be patient with me as I work on your issue.
 
 Following these simple guidelines really will help me help you. And really,