Contribution Guide Template for Product Managers

Label 10-15 issues as `good-first-issue` with detailed descriptions that include the file to edit, the expected behavior, and a link to the relevant code. Participate in events like Hacktoberfest. Write a blog post walking through one specific contribution from start to merge. The [developer experience glossary entry](/glossary/product-development) covers broader principles for reducing friction.

The structure is the same. Internal guides can skip the code of conduct and community sections but should include team-specific conventions like deployment procedures, environment access, and on-call responsibilities. The setup instructions and coding standards sections are equally important for both.

Comment politely and link to the specific section of the contribution guide they missed. Do not close PRs without explanation. If the contributor is new, offer to pair on fixing the issues. If they are unresponsive after two weeks, close the PR with a note that they are welcome to reopen it later.

Review it quarterly and after any process change (new CI checks, new branching strategy, new code review requirements). If three contributors in a row hit the same setup problem, update the guide immediately. The [internal wiki template](/templates/internal-wiki-template) provides a maintenance cadence framework that works for contribution guides too.

Signed commits (GPG-verified) add security but create friction for new contributors. Require them only if your project has strict supply-chain security requirements. A CLA (Contributor License Agreement) is necessary if your project has commercial licensing. Use a CLA bot (like CLA Assistant) to automate the process so it does not block PRs. ---