docs: only strip CONTRIBUTING.md, restore contributor section

AGENTS.md/CLAUDE.md describe the same toolchain (tox, ruff, mypy,
bandit, Conventional Commits, mloda-registry skills) that scaffolded
plugins inherit, and CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md plus .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/
are sensible baselines that only need a small edit (contact email,
placeholder paths). They are working scaffold content, not template
metadata, so Step 6 keeps them.

CONTRIBUTING.md is the only file that is genuinely template-only
(its subject is "contributing to this template repo"), so it stays
in the strip list with optional-edit guidance for the rest.

The README regains its dual-audience intro and "Contribute to this
template" section pointing to CONTRIBUTING.md, AGENTS.md,
CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md, and the issue template, since most of those
links now survive Step 6.

Author: TKaltofen

README.md

@@ -6,7 +6,10 @@
 
 > **A GitHub template for creating standalone mloda plugins.** Part of the [mloda](https://github.com/mloda-ai/mloda) ecosystem for open data access. Visit [mloda.ai](https://mloda.ai) for an overview and business context, the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/mloda-ai/mloda) for technical context, or the [documentation](https://mloda-ai.github.io/mloda/) for detailed guides.
 
-Create your own FeatureGroups, ComputeFrameworks, and Extenders as standalone packages.
+Create your own FeatureGroups, ComputeFrameworks, and Extenders as standalone packages. This repository serves two audiences:
+
+- **Plugin authors**: click *Use this template* on GitHub to scaffold a new plugin repository, then follow the [Use this template](#use-this-template) section below.
+- **Template contributors**: improving the scaffold itself? See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) and the [Contribute to this template](#contribute-to-this-template) section.
 
 ## Related Repositories
 
@@ -86,20 +89,33 @@ Update imports in these files (change `from placeholder.` to `from acme.`):
 uv venv && source .venv/bin/activate && uv sync --all-extras && tox
 ```
 
-#### 6. Remove template-only files
+#### 6. Remove the template-only contributor guide
 
-These files belong to the template repo and don't apply to your scaffolded plugin. Remove them after `tox` passes:
+`CONTRIBUTING.md` describes how to contribute to the template repo itself; it does not apply to your plugin. Remove it after `tox` passes:
 
 ```bash
-rm CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md AGENTS.md CLAUDE.md CONTRIBUTING.md
-rm -rf .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/
+rm CONTRIBUTING.md
 ```
 
-You may also want to replace this `README.md` with one that describes your plugin. Add your own Code of Conduct, contributor guide, and issue templates later if you want them.
+The remaining baseline files apply to your plugin out of the box and can be edited to match your conventions:
+
+- `AGENTS.md` and `CLAUDE.md` — toolchain and project practices for the same `tox`/ruff/mypy/bandit pipeline you inherit. Tune the bullets if you change the toolchain.
+- `CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md` — short, plain-English baseline. Update the contact (`conduct@mloda.ai` → your address) if you want enforcement to come to you.
+- `.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/issue.yml` — unified issue form. Update the placeholder file paths to point at your renamed package.
+
+You may also want to replace this `README.md` with one that describes your plugin.
 
 ### Where to next
 
 - **[mloda-registry/docs/guides/](https://github.com/mloda-ai/mloda-registry/tree/main/docs/guides/)** — full plugin development walkthrough (FeatureGroups, ComputeFrameworks, Extenders, packaging, publishing).
 - **[mloda](https://github.com/mloda-ai/mloda)** — core framework reference.
 - **[Claude Code skills](https://github.com/mloda-ai/mloda-registry/tree/main/.claude/skills/)** — pattern guidance and best practices for AI-assisted plugin development.
 - **[docs/github-workflows.md](docs/github-workflows.md)** — CI/CD setup and required secrets for the included workflows.
+
+## Contribute to this template
+
+This section is for people improving the scaffold itself (CI workflows, dev tooling, docs, examples). See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for the full contributor guide. Quick pointers:
+
+- [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)
+- [AGENTS.md](AGENTS.md) — agent guidance, project practices, issue creation
+- [Issue template](.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/issue.yml)

docs/getting-started.md

@@ -49,4 +49,4 @@ Regardless of which option you chose, follow the setup steps in the [README](../
 4. Update `.releaserc.yaml` (change `mloda-plugin-template` to your package name and update `repositoryUrl`)
 5. Update Python imports
 6. Verify with `tox`
-7. Remove template-only community files (`CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md`, `AGENTS.md`, `CLAUDE.md`, `CONTRIBUTING.md`, `.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/`) — they apply to the template repo, not to your plugin
+7. Remove `CONTRIBUTING.md` (the template's own contributor guide doesn't apply to your plugin); optionally tune `CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md`, `AGENTS.md`/`CLAUDE.md`, and `.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/` to fit your plugin