Merge branch 'master' into staging

1 files changed, 9 insertions, 2 deletions

diff --git a/doc/contributing.texi b/doc/contributing.texi
index 205c972aea..ca44b3b0b0 100644
--- a/doc/contributing.texi
+++ b/doc/contributing.texi
@@ -407,12 +407,19 @@ changes).  This branch is intended to be merged in @code{master} every
 2.5 months or so.
 @end table
 
-All these branches are tracked by our build farm
-and merged into @code{master} once
+All these branches are @uref{https://hydra.gnu.org/project/gnu,
+tracked by our build farm} and merged into @code{master} once
 everything has been successfully built.  This allows us to fix issues
 before they hit users, and to reduce the window during which pre-built
 binaries are not available.
 
+Generally, branches other than @code{master} are considered
+@emph{frozen} if there has been a recent evaluation, or there is a
+corresponding @code{-next} branch.  Please ask on the mailing list or
+IRC if unsure where to place a patch.
+@c TODO: It would be good with badges on the website that tracks these
+@c branches.  Or maybe even a status page.
+
 @item
 @cindex determinism, of build processes
 @cindex reproducible builds, checking