diff --git a/.github/workflows/stale.yml b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
index 7390ec1df..57666417a 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/stale.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
@@ -27,7 +27,10 @@ jobs:
             This issue has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had
             recent activity. It will be closed if no further activity occurs. NetBox
             is governed by a small group of core maintainers which means not all opened
-            issues may receive direct feedback. Please see our [contributing guide](https://github.com/netbox-community/netbox/blob/develop/CONTRIBUTING.md).
+            issues may receive direct feedback. **Do not** attempt to circumvent this
+            process by "bumping" the issue; doing so will result in its immediate closure
+            and you may be barred from participating in any future discussions. Please see
+            our [contributing guide](https://github.com/netbox-community/netbox/blob/develop/CONTRIBUTING.md).
           stale-pr-label: 'pending closure'
           stale-pr-message: >
             This PR has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index c01adf4c9..1b4733cbe 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -160,9 +160,9 @@ to aid in issue management.
 
 It is natural that some new issues get more attention than others. The stale
 bot helps bring renewed attention to potentially valuable issues that may have
-been overlooked. **Do not** comment on an issue that has been marked stale in
-an effort to circumvent the bot: Doing so will not remove the stale label.
-(Stale labels can be removed only by maintainers.)
+been overlooked. **Do not** comment on a stale issue merely to "bump" it in an
+effort to circumvent the bot: This will result in the immediate closure of the
+issue, and you may be barred from participating in future discussions.
 
 ## Maintainer Guidance