Abstract: A method and system for implementing effects through database records. During an uninterrupted user session, the host system provides a database for maintaining records and a utility for receiving user commands defining views and effects associated with data items. The host system then receives user commands creating a record incorporating a data item into a field of the record, and defining a view for displaying the data item. The host system also receives user commands creating records defining an effect for implementation in association with the view. The host system stores the records in the database in a manner that reference the records defining the view and the records defining the effect with the record incorporating the data item. The host system then processes the database records to display the view and implement the effect in association with the view.

Abstract: A method for a computer system to allow user editing of a help item that is associated with an element in an uninterrupted user session. The method has the steps of receiving a help item edit command from a user wherein the help item edit command has an association with the element and receiving a help item level selection command which also has an association with the element. In response to the help item level selection command, the system then sets the help level for which to apply the help item edit command. Then, in response to receiving the help edit command, the system saves a user-edited help item that is based on the help item edit command and is in association to the set help level. Both the help item edit command and the set help level are associated to the element so that when the element is activated, the user-edit help item may be subsequently retrieved.