diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5b72141..0b757b3 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@ paste this:
 Install and run autor3search-java on this repository, then optimize it.
 
 Setup:
+0. Run git status. If the working tree has changes, STOP and ask me to
+   commit or stash them first.
 1. Download the latest release jar and its launcher:
      mkdir -p ~/.local/bin
      curl -sSL -o ~/.local/bin/autor3search-java.jar \
diff --git a/skills/autor3search-java/SKILL.md b/skills/autor3search-java/SKILL.md
index a2bf623..93362ee 100644
--- a/skills/autor3search-java/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/autor3search-java/SKILL.md
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ user. Follow every step and rule in it, in order.
 Install and run autor3search-java on this repository, then optimize it.
 
 Setup:
+0. Run git status. If the working tree has changes, STOP and ask me to
+   commit or stash them first.
 1. Download the latest release jar and its launcher:
      mkdir -p ~/.local/bin
      curl -sSL -o ~/.local/bin/autor3search-java.jar \