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.