code of conduct, contributing template

CONTRIBUTING.md

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+## How to contribute to GTDB-Tk
+
+GTDB-Tk follows [GitHub flow](https://guides.github.com/introduction/flow/index.html), 
+i.e. all changes must come through a pull request.
+
+#### Step 1: Creating an issue
+Firstly, check to see if the issue has already been opened or discussed. If not, 
+create the issue. This gives everybody full visibility of the proposed changes you wish to make
+and a discussion can take place. 
+
+This is a very good idea to make sure that there are no upcoming changes that conflict
+with your proposed changes.
+
+#### Step 2: Fork the repository and create a new branch
+After forking the repository, you should create a new branch based on the `staging` branch that
+references your issue. 
+
+#### Step 3: Development
+Try follow the current coding style as closely as possible. Please try and make sure there are unit
+tests where applicable.
+
+#### Step 4: Create a pull request
+If you a only wish to discuss your code, open a draft pull request to the `staging` branch.
+
+Otherwise, ensure that all unit tests are passing and open the pull request to the `staging` branch.
+
+#### Step 5: Review and merge
+After your code has been reviewed it will be merged into the `staging` branch for the next release.
+
+---
+
+**Thanks!** _- the GTDB-Tk contributors_

docs/README.md

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-# Note: Only GitHub pages in hosted on this branch, for everything else check `stable`
-
 https://ecogenomics.github.io/GTDBTk/