Normally when a new version is to be
release, I reløease the
source for a number of beta versions, which should make it possible for
you to compile and get the packaging scripts ready. Once these work, we
release the non-beta version. During this process beta-testers can also
already test the software packages you make.
Although
you
are not a packager, you will have insight in the packaging process
as well, since you will be testing beta-releases. Therefore I would
like to ask to subscribe to the packagers mailinglist at
http://lists.yellowcouch.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/packagers
or again send me an email if you are interested in beta-testing. I'll
put you on the list as well.