diff --git a/chapter01/changelog.xml b/chapter01/changelog.xml
index 28a98b512..e4305ff32 100644
--- a/chapter01/changelog.xml
+++ b/chapter01/changelog.xml
@@ -122,6 +122,9 @@ First a summary, then a detailed log.</para>
 </itemizedlist>
 </listitem>
 
+<listitem><para>September 29, 2005 [matt]: Add more explicit reader
+prerequisites (fixes bug 1629).</para></listitem>
+
 <listitem><para>September 29, 2005 [matt]: Add <option>-v</option> to commands
 that accept it (fixes bug 1612).</para></listitem>
 
diff --git a/prologue/prerequisites.xml b/prologue/prerequisites.xml
index e0ce3d035..12622e066 100644
--- a/prologue/prerequisites.xml
+++ b/prologue/prerequisites.xml
@@ -7,9 +7,22 @@
 <title>Prerequisites</title>
 <?dbhtml filename="prerequisites.html"?>
 
-<para>This book assumes that the reader has a reasonable knowledge of using
-and installing Linux software. Before building an LFS system, we
-recommend reading the following HOWTOs:</para>
+<para>Building an LFS system is not a simple task. It requires a certain level
+of existing knowledge of Unix system administration in order to resolve
+problems, and correctly execute the commands listed.  In particular, as an
+absolute minimum, the reader should already have the ability to copy or move
+files and directories, list directory and file contents, and change the current
+directory.  It is also expected that the reader has a reasonable knowledge of
+using and installing Linux software.</para>
+
+<para>Because the LFS book assumes <emphasis>at least</emphasis> this basic
+level of skill, the various LFS support forums are unlikely to be able to
+provide you with much assistance; you will find that your questions regarding
+such basic knowledge will likely go unanswered, or you will simply be referred
+to the LFS essential pre-reading list.</para>
+
+<para>Before building an LFS system, we recommend reading the following HOWTOs:
+</para>
 
 <itemizedlist>
 <listitem><para>Software-Building-HOWTO