One point questions only

[sling-shot]

4. Would adding the Changelog for the latest update of a package below its full description be considered proper? This way it will show up in Synaptic.

[TerryN]

4. Would adding the Changelog for the latest update of a package below its full description be considered proper? This way it will show up in Synaptic.

The %changelog is a macro and therefore would terminate the %description section anyway.  If you want to "duplicate" the changelog information it's up to you (but leave the packager's info out).  It generally only has information of use to packagers anyway.  The CHANGELOG for the actual app (more useful to users) is usually installed with the docs.

Terry

[sling-shot]

That changelog for the actual app hence is available only after installation.
I understand these things will mostly be academic and of use only to a few over curious people like me and not the general public.

Whenever I see an update in Synaptic I am interested to know even before I hit the Apply button, what changes does it bring.

If it is not a problem, may I add it to the few packages that I update?