Abstract: As a user is drafting an electronic document (e.g., a word processing document, spreadsheet, etc.), the user may enter a predefined string of characters that represents a placeholder for information which is to be inserted into the document. A computerized system recognizes the predefined string of characters and, in response, automatically opens a messaging window that permits the user to request the information from one or more recipients. The message may include a portion of the electronic document surrounding the predefined string of characters to provide context for the recipients. A recipient can edit the context provided in the message to provide the requested information and transmit the message back to the user. If the user approves the edit made by the recipient, the computerized system may be configured to automatically integrate the edit into the electronic document.

Abstract: A method for integrating a written communication means with a document generation means including the steps of: typing a predefined string of characters, by a user, into a document; recognizing said predefined string with a computer algorithm that opens a messaging window; entering a query from said user into said message window regarding unknown information intended to be located at the location of said predefined string; sending said query to a third party; receiving a response to said query; reading said response by said user for the purpose of said user accepting, or rejecting said response; transposing said predefined string with a portion of said response in the event said response was accepted, not transposing said predefined string with a portion of said response in the event said response is rejected. Another embodiment further includes the purpose of modifying said response including transposition of a modified response with a predefined character string.