diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
index f9c4dcac..57b0d6ca 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,31 +1,41 @@
 <!--
-  Before submitting please search open and closed issues at 
-  https://github.com/mmistakes/minimal-mistakes/issues to avoid duplication.
-
-  Feel free to use the following as a template and remove or add fields as you 
-  see fit. You can convert `[ ]` into `[x]` completed check boxes.
+  Before opening a new issue please:
+  
+  - Verify you have the latest versions of Jekyll and Minimal Mistakes 
+    installed by running `bundle update`.
+  - Thoroughly read the theme's documentation at
+    https://mmistakes.github.io/minimal-mistakes/docs/quick-start-guide/
+  - Search all issues at https://github.com/mmistakes/minimal-mistakes/issues 
+    for solutions and to avoid duplication.
+  - Ask for help at https://talk.jekyllrb.com/
+  
+  After exhausting these suggestions use the format below.
 -->
 
-- [ ] This is a question about using the theme.
-- [ ] This is a feature request or enhancement.
-- [ ] I believe this to be a bug with the theme.
-  - [ ] I am using the latest version of the theme.
-  - [ ] I have updated all gems with `bundle update`.
-  - [ ] I have tested locally with `bundle exec jekyll build`.
-
----
-
-## Environment informations
+## Description
 
 <!--
-  Please include theme version, Jekyll version, whether you are hosting with
-  GitHub Pages, and the operating system you are on or tested with.
+  Describe the issue or proposed feature enhancement.
 -->
 
-- **Minimal Mistakes version:** 
-- **Jekyll version:**
-- **GitHub Pages hosted:** yes/no
-- **Operating system:** 
+## Environment
+
+<!--
+  Please include theme version, Jekyll version, public git repository, whether 
+  you are hosting with GitHub Pages, and the operating system you tested with.
+
+  Issues without a link to a public repository or ZIP file will likely go ignored.
+  Being able to see your actual files is necessary to troubleshoot, as most 
+  issues stem from invalid/missing YAML Front Matter, a mis-configured _config.sys 
+  file, or problematic site content. 
+-->
+
+- Minimal Mistakes version:
+- Ruby gem or remote theme version:
+- Jekyll version:
+- Git repository URL:
+- Operating system:
+- GitHub Pages hosted (if yes provide URL to site):
 
 ---
 
@@ -38,14 +48,9 @@
 ## Steps to reproduce the behavior
 
 <!--
-  Include a link to a public repository or ZIP file so that the behavior or bug 
-  can easily be reproduced. Being able to see your actual files helps with 
-  troubleshooting as most issues stem from invalid/missing YAML Front Matter, a 
-  mis-configured _config.sys file, or problematic site content. 
-
-  Describe the steps you took for this problem to exist. Such as: you cloned the 
-  theme, customized _config.yml, added your own posts, and started up a Jekyll
-  server locally.
+  Describe the steps you took for this problem to exist. Such as: you installed
+  the theme, customized _config.yml, added your own posts, and started up a 
+  Jekyll server locally.
 
   If an error occurred on GitHub Pages when pushing, please test a local version
   following these setup instructions: