diff --git a/doc/ffmpeg-doc.texi b/doc/ffmpeg-doc.texi
index 61775804aa..8489a8382a 100644
--- a/doc/ffmpeg-doc.texi
+++ b/doc/ffmpeg-doc.texi
@@ -1272,7 +1272,10 @@ please use av_log() instead.
    you applied the patch.
 @item
    Do NOT commit to code actively maintained by others without permission. Send
-   a patch to ffmpeg-devel instead.
+   a patch to ffmpeg-devel instead. If noone awnsers within a reasonable time
+   (12h for build failure and security fixes, 3 days for all other small changes
+    1 week for big patches) then commit your patch if you think its ok
+    also note, the maintainer can simply ask for more time to review!
 @item
     Subscribe to the ffmpeg-cvslog mailing list. The diffs of all commits
     are sent there and reviewed by all the other developers. Bugs and possible