diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d920a8f..03d510f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ You do not need to be a web **developer** to be able to use this system. You jus
 Quick Start
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
+Note: this should be done on a fresh dummy app (one without any changes to it yet; see [this related issue](https://github.com/empress/field-guide/issues/44)).
+
 ```sh
 npm init ember-addon super-design-system