From 42fb4444dda1e10998ea19e87e4738ff706e5dc1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: chriscrosstalk <49691103+chriscrosstalk@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:37:57 -0700
Subject: [PATCH] docs: require linked issue for non-trivial PRs (#799)

Tightens the existing "open an issue first" guidance: non-trivial PRs
must reference a corresponding issue and may be closed without one.
Adds an explicit carveout for trivial fixes (typos, doc clarifications,
small one-line bugs) so drive-by improvements still flow through.
---
 CONTRIBUTING.md | 11 +++++++++--
 1 file changed, 9 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 1fda7fb..46e0558 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -30,7 +30,14 @@ We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for everyone. Disrespectfu
 
 ## Before You Start
 
-**Open an issue first.** Before writing any code, please [open an issue](../../issues/new) to discuss your proposed change. This helps avoid duplicate work and ensures your contribution aligns with the project's direction.
+**Open an issue first.** Before writing any code for a non-trivial change, you must [open an issue](../../issues/new) to discuss your proposed change. This helps avoid duplicate work and ensures your contribution aligns with the project's direction. **Pull requests submitted without a corresponding issue may be closed at the maintainers' discretion.**
+
+**Trivial fixes are exempt** and may be submitted directly as a PR. Examples:
+- Typo and grammar corrections
+- Documentation clarifications
+- Small one-line bug fixes with an obvious cause
+
+If you're not sure whether your change qualifies as trivial, open an issue first.
 
 When opening an issue:
 - Use a clear, descriptive title
@@ -149,7 +156,7 @@ This project uses [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/). Versions are manag
 2. Open a pull request against the `dev` branch of this repository
 3. In the PR description:
    - Summarize what your changes do and why
-   - Reference the related issue (e.g., `Closes #123`)
+   - Reference the related issue (e.g., `Closes #123`) — required for non-trivial changes
    - Note any relevant testing steps or environment details
 4. Be responsive to feedback — maintainers may request changes. Pull requests with no activity for an extended period may be closed.