Puggo - Jar Jar's Yoda said:

We should think twice before setting up an automated announcement system. Yes it will make it easier for enthusiasts to monitor the projects, but it would also make it a whole lot easier for certain other people to monitor them as well. At least the way things are, when stuff gets finished, we know a whole bunch of copies will get out there before any proverbial hammer drops.

I see where you're going with this, but if the 'certain other people' want to monitor the project(s) closely, all they have to do is subscribe to the relevant threads like the rest of us.

I've already started a draft of a mail-out newsletter that people would be able to sign up to, but it would be sent at the end of each month - plenty of time to get copies out before even letting the regular enthusiasts know. I'm waiting to hear back from Harmy if the format looks ok and then the first edition would go out Sept 1st. (sign-up link coming soon)

So, for example, if SW:DE v2.5 is released the 2nd week of Sept, it would still be 2 more weeks before next month's edition would be mailed out mentioning the release.