Can you please explain why you're branching?  I'd normally expect 
creation of a branch to be discussed on the dev list first.  To me, a 
branch implies the need for collaborative development of changes that 
are incompatible with trunk development.  Is this the case?  If so, then 
there first needs to be a public discussion with potential 
collaborators.  To plan a branch in private would be collusion, and a 
branch with a single developer doesn't usually make sense.

Thanks,

Doug