GitHub issue template chooser with blank issues disabled
Disable blank issues for contributors so the GitHub issue chooser forces the public queue through the templates you are actually ready to process.
Why this can grow a startup
An issue queue stops being useful when half the submissions arrive outside the shapes your team knows how to triage. GitHub lets maintainers set `blank_issues_enabled` to `false`, which hides the blank issue path from ordinary contributors while still leaving a Maintainers only escape hatch for people with write access and above. That small setting is really a quality filter. It makes the public queue more structured, keeps the chooser honest, and protects the maintainers from spending every morning turning free-form complaints into actionable tickets.
Company example
GitHub Docs says `blank_issues_enabled: false` removes the blank issue option for Read and Triage users while keeping a Maintainers only blank issue path for Write, Maintain, and Admin roles.
Source and metric
Source: GitHub Docs: Configuring issue templates for your repository
When `blank_issues_enabled` is `false`, GitHub still shows Blank issue as Maintainers only for Write, Maintain, and Admin users.
When to use it
Use this when GitHub, Support, Community is relevant to issue hygiene, community intake, triage quality and you can run a bounded test with a free budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read GitHub Docs: Configuring issue templates for your repository and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: GitHub, Support, Community.
- Define the test around When `blank_issues_enabled` is `false`, GitHub still shows Blank issue as Maintainers only for Write, Maintain, and Admin users..
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Build creator and community systems around real incentives, trust, and repeat participation.