diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
index 45b243be1..afc6bcb41 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
@@ -7,7 +7,12 @@ assignees: ''
 
 ---
 
-**Note** If you have a question about the RDKit or aren't sure if what you're seeing is the right behavior please use the [Discussions tab](https://github.com/rdkit/rdkit/discussions) instead of posting it here.
+-----------------------------------------
+PLEASE DELETE THIS SECTION AFTER YOU HAVE READ IT
+If you have a question about the RDKit or aren't sure if what you're seeing is the right behavior please use the Discussions tab above (https://github.com/rdkit/rdkit/discussions) instead of posting it here.
+
+Please help us help you: We normally need the information below in order to answer questions or understand bug reports. If you do not provide the information requested we may not be able to help you and will probably close the issue.
+-----------------------------------------
 
 **Describe the bug**
 A clear and concise description of what the bug is.
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
index 73581541a..cc593bebd 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
@@ -7,7 +7,10 @@ assignees: ''
 
 ---
 
-**Note:** please consider starting a [discussion](https://github.com/rdkit/rdkit/discussions) about the feature you would like to have before creating an issue for it. Community input on how a feature could work is often helpful and It could be that there's already a way to do what you want to do in the RDKit.
+-----------------------------------------
+PLEASE DELETE THIS SECTION AFTER YOU HAVE READ IT
+Please consider starting a discussion about the feature you would like to have (using the Discussions tab above or https://github.com/rdkit/rdkit/discussions) before creating an issue for it. Community input on how a feature could work is often helpful and it could be that there's already a way to do what you want to do in the RDKit.
+-----------------------------------------
 
 **Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.**
 A clear and concise description of what the problem is. Ex. I'm always frustrated when [...]