Re: Temp/permanent annotations?
The point of the yellow-sticky approach was that it be quick, that the place-marking be either automatic (put the meta-marker wherever the cursor happens to be when the hot-key combo is pressed, or pop up a yellow sticky and attach it wherever it gets dragged), and I just start writing what I want to say/do, given that the way-pointing has been done automagically.
I feel sure that the app you're describing is possible--I can think of examples where key bits have been implemented in pursuit of other goals.
For example, I've seen a function that retrieves a slew of system-level information about the window the user clicks in. A 'sticky message' app could use a similar function to identify the name of the application that owns the Window and document you're sticking a message into. With that info, it could look up the app's object model in its library of sticky-supported applications, and use the appropriate methods to make the necessary calculations and deductions about exactly where to overlay a persistent swatch of colorful text box.
Anyway, the implementation details aren't my bag and I don't think you asked how to do it, but it does seem like it is do-able. I'm beginning to think you've got an idea for an orignal application, Kev. Maybe you *are* a Mac person after all? :-)
Ned Bedinger
doc -at- edwordsmith -dot- com
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