you've got some slippery thinking here about the "id" markers. do they already exist in the text? how did they get there? how did the database, which links id markers and annotations, come into existence? how are annotations shared with others? can annotations be made on annotations? what about things like graphics and movies -- how can they be utilized as annotations?
I don't have time to debate Bowerbird on these points, but if the original poster or anyone else who is actually going to work on annotation has serious questions, I'll be happy to throw in my $0.02 if I notice the thread.
as above, if it's just a few lines of code, why won't you write 'em?
Several reasons, including: - the original poster is better off having it done close to home so they have more control over implementation details, enhancements, etc. - this isn't generally a tech list - I typically code such things in UserTalk, which is most useful to those who already use Frontier for other reasons rather than as a quick-and-dirty scripting solution for an unknown environment. If the original poster decides to use Frontier and whatever techie they find gets stuck, I'll be happy to help them out.
but given "diff" tools, it's not that much work for a handful of annotated books. (And, with a little work, could be largely automated.)
have you ever done this type of work? have you been successful in automating it?
if so, then you would be well-advised to start a business, and charge the world for your expertise, since there are lots of companies who are finding it expensive to do this, and they would dearly love to find a less-costly solution...
I have done this kind of work, have automated it, am in business, and have and do charge for it. -- Cheers, Scott S. Lawton http://Classicosm.com/ - classic books http://ProductArchitect.com/ - consulting