diff --git a/DEVELOPMENT.txt b/DEVELOPMENT.txt
index 7d2874fb..e7b83e31 100644
--- a/DEVELOPMENT.txt
+++ b/DEVELOPMENT.txt
@@ -7,7 +7,9 @@ Development process
  * Go to `http://github.com/stefanv/scikits.image
    <http://github.com/stefanv/scikits.image>`_  and follow the instructions on
    making your own fork.
- * Create a new branch for the feature you want to work on.
+ * Create a new branch for the feature you want to work on.  Since the branch
+   name will appear in the merge message, use a sensible name such as
+   'stefan-transform-speedups'.
  * Commit locally as you progress.
  * Push your changes back to github.
  * Ping Stefan to request a merge into the main development branch (or simply
@@ -24,6 +26,9 @@ http://mail.scipy.org/pipermail/ipython-dev/2010-October/006746.html
    as long as you are `aware of its dangers <http://tinyurl.com/lll385>`_
    (also see `LWN article <http://tinyurl.com/nqcbkj>`_).
 
+* To reviewers: add a short explanation of what a branch did to the merge
+  message or, if closing a bug, add "Closes gh-XXXX".
+
 Guidelines
 ``````````
  * All code should have tests (see "Test coverage" below for more details).