I agree regarding `git push origin :branch`. From the git man pages [0] > git push origin master:refs/heads/experimental Create the branch experimental in the

I agree regarding `git push origin :branch`. From the git man pages [0] > git push origin master:refs/heads/experimental Create the branch experimental in the origin repository by copying the current master branch. This form is only needed to create a new branch or tag in the remote repository when the local name and the remote name are different; otherwise, the ref name on its own will work. So, a direct substitution of `git push origin :experimental` says Create the branch :experimental in the origin repository by copying no branch I definitely think that could use another layer of abstraction. [0]: http://linux.die.net/man/1/git-push http://linux.die.net/man/1/git-push