"Can you assign this to me?"

[buhtz]

I am an FOSS upstream maintainer very open to new contributors but also dealing with low-level-know-nothing-but-commit-and-star-collection wannabies.

Please add an explanation about how issue/PR assignment works and that asking "Can you assign this to me?" is not a good idea.

Maybe also add an explanation that using Mentions (with "@") are also not a good idea.

[Tamujacob]

I'd like to work on this. I'll:

1. Research best practices for GitHub issue assignment etiquette
2. Draft a section for CONTRIBUTING.md explaining:
   • Why "Can you assign this to me?" is problematic
   • Proper ways to show interest in an issue
   • When/why to use @mentions
3. Submit a PR within [timeframe, e.g., 3-5 days]

It would also be helpful if you tell me if there is a specific preference for documentation location or style.

[buhtz]

Just from my perspective as a maintainer:

• Proper ways to show interest in an issue

That is a good and positive approach compared to just say "don't ask it". 🤣

• When/why to use @mentions

Just don't. Never. There is not reason to do this.

3. Submit a PR within [timeframe, e.g., 3-5 days]

What I often experience is that contributors do not read my contribution info I have placed in several locations. Of course there is a CONTRIBUTING.md in my project. But there is also a default text when opening an issue (see template) or a PR (see tempalte) giving minimal advice. Especially my Good First Issues (examples) have an introduction text and step by step advice. They just don't read it or don't follow it.