diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/general-issue.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/general-issue.md
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+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/general-issue.md
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+---
+name: General issue
+about: A bug report or improvement request, usually. For questions about using hledger,
+  consider IRC or mail list instead.
+
+---
+
+Thanks for your issue report! 
+Note, questions about how to use hledger are usually best asked in the chat room or mail list.
+It's ok to ask here if you're not sure or those don't work for you (let us know why):
+
+Type  | Address | Tips
+:-----|:--------|:----------
+Chat room (Freenode IRC) | http://irc.hledger.org or <span style="white-space:nowrap;">https://riot.im/app/#/room/#freenode_#hledger:matrix.org</span> | Usually the quickest way to get help. Answers can take a few seconds to a few hours. Login not required. 
+Email list (Google group)               | http://list.hledger.org or hledger@googlegroups.com | The largest and most permanent help/discussion area. List subscription not required (I think). Non-subscriber posts will be delayed until approved. 
+Private email                           | simon@joyful.com | For sensitive issues, eg security-related.
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/new-issue.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/new-issue.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..39f5f93a8
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+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/new-issue.md
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+---
+name: New issue
+about: Generally, a bug report or improvement request. For questions about using hledger,
+  consider IRC or mail list instead.
+
+---
+
+Thanks for your issue report! 
+Note, questions about how to use hledger are usually best asked in the chat room or mail list.
+It's ok to ask here if you're not sure or those don't work for you (let us know why):
+
+Type  | Address | Tips
+:-----|:--------|:----------
+Chat room (Freenode IRC) | http://irc.hledger.org or <span style="white-space:nowrap;">https://riot.im/app/#/room/#freenode_#hledger:matrix.org</span> | Usually the quickest way to get help. Answers can take a few seconds to a few hours. Login not required. 
+Email list (Google group)               | http://list.hledger.org or hledger@googlegroups.com | The largest and most permanent help/discussion area. List subscription not required (I think). Non-subscriber posts will be delayed until approved. 
+Private email                           | simon@joyful.com | For sensitive issues, eg security-related.