diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index fdacb788..ab34f964 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,11 +1,20 @@
-## What is this Python project?
+## Checklist
 
-Describe features.
+- [ ] One link per Pull Request
+- [ ] PR title format: `Add project-name`
+- [ ] Entry format: `* [project-name](url) - Description ending with period.`
+- [ ] Description is concise (no mention of "Python")
 
-## What's the difference between this Python project and similar ones?
+## Why This Project Is Awesome
 
-Enumerate comparisons.
+Which criterion does it meet? (pick one)
 
---
+- [ ] **Industry Standard** - The go-to tool for a specific use case
+- [ ] **Rising Star** - 5,000+ stars in <2 years, significant adoption
+- [ ] **Hidden Gem** - Exceptional quality, solves niche problems elegantly
 
-Anyone who agrees with this pull request could submit an *Approve* review to it.
+Explain:
+
+## How It Differs
+
+If similar entries exist, what makes this one unique?
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index a9cd757d..a4a9c605 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ Before submitting a PR, verify:
 - [ ] One link per Pull Request
 - [ ] PR title format: `Add project-name`
 - [ ] Entry format: `* [project-name](url) - A short description ending with a period.`
-- [ ] Alphabetical order maintained (run `python sort.py`)
 - [ ] No mention of "Python" in description (it's implied)
 - [ ] Description is concise (one sentence)
 - [ ] No trailing whitespace