diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index b8995b23c5..5b1a6d467e 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ all=git-annex $(mans) docs
 
 GHC?=ghc
 GHCMAKE=$(GHC) $(GHCFLAGS) --make
-PREFIX=/usr
+PREFIX?=/usr
 CABAL?=cabal # set to "./Setup" if you lack a cabal program
 
 # Am I typing :make in vim? Do a fast build.
diff --git a/doc/todo/makefile:_respect___36__PREFIX.mdwn b/doc/todo/makefile:_respect___36__PREFIX.mdwn
index 2b69e08e83..8bfd71168a 100644
--- a/doc/todo/makefile:_respect___36__PREFIX.mdwn
+++ b/doc/todo/makefile:_respect___36__PREFIX.mdwn
@@ -19,3 +19,5 @@ index b8995b2..5b1a6d4 100644
 """]]
 
 --[[anarcat]]
+
+> [[done]] --[[Joey]]