diff --git a/docs/usage.rst b/docs/usage.rst
index eb36decd..f9cdb60c 100644
--- a/docs/usage.rst
+++ b/docs/usage.rst
@@ -23,6 +23,11 @@ Composing mode is entered by either starting ``jrnl`` without any arguments -- w
 
     jrnl today at 3am: I just met Steve Buscemi in a bar! He looked funny.
 
+
+.. note::
+
+    Most shell contains a certain number of reserved characters, such as ``#`` and ``*``. Unbalanced quotes, parenthesis, and so on will also get into the way of your editing. For writing longer entries, just enter ``jrnl`` and hit ``return``. Only then enter the text of your journal entry. Alternatively, :doc:`use an external editor <advanced>`).
+
 You can also import an entry directly from a file::
 
     jrnl < my_entry.txt