diff --git a/etc/NEWS b/etc/NEWS
index c44b5137c5c..2571108c9ee 100644
--- a/etc/NEWS
+++ b/etc/NEWS
@@ -15,6 +15,12 @@ in older Emacs versions.
 You can narrow news to a specific version by calling 'view-emacs-news'
 with a prefix argument or by typing 'C-u C-h C-n'.
 
+Temporary note:
++++ indicates that all relevant manuals in doc/ have been updated.
+--- means no change in the manuals is needed.
+When you add a new item, use the appropriate mark if you are sure it
+applies, and please also update docstrings as needed.
+
 
 * Installation Changes in Emacs 27.2