diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
index 58faf16b4..5946c94d2 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,3 +1,9 @@
+<!--
+NOTE: Not filling out the issue template needs a good reason, otherwise the
+issue will be closed instantly! Please take the time to help us debugging the
+problem by collecting information, even if it seems irrelevant to you. Thanks!
+-->
+
 ## Output of `restic version`