System and method for creating and inserting multiple data fragments into an electronic mail message

A method for editing an electronic mail message comprising a message body and a default signature fragment located at a predetermined location within a closing of the message body, comprising the steps:

• displaying the electronic mail message on a display screen;
• in response to receiving a first input signal, presenting a plurality of electronic mail signature fragments as possible replacement candidates for the default signature fragment;
• in response to a second input signal, selecting one of the signature fragments for insertion within the electronic mail message;
• and
• replacing the default signature fragment with the selected signature fragment by inserting the selected signature fragment into the predetermined location of the electronic mail message;
• displaying a prompt when a position indicator is positioned proximate to the default signature fragment, the prompt providing an indication that the default signature fragment can be replaced with another signature fragment in response to initiating a predefined user event.

A computer-readable medium on which is stored a program module for inserting one of a plurality of electronic mail signature fragments into an electronic mail message, the program module comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, perform the steps of:

• identifying a context of the electronic mail message by determining whether the electronic mail message comprises a reply-type message or an original message;
• in the event that the electronic mail message comprises the reply-type message, selecting one of a plurality of reply signature fragments representing an electronic mail signature for the reply-type message;
• in the event that the electronic mail message comprises the original-type message, selecting one of a plurality of new signature fragments representing an electronic mail signature for the original message;
• and
• inserting the selected one of the reply signature fragments or the new signature fragments into the electronic mail message, without manual intervention, thereby adding an inserted electronic mail signature to the electronic mail message.

A method for inserting one of a plurality of data candidates into a body portion of an electronic mail message, comprising the steps:

• automatically identifying a context of the electronic mail message;
• automatically selecting one of the plurality of data candidates based on an identifying characteristic of the electronic mail message;
• automatically inserting the selected data candidate within the electronic mail message;
• wherein the identifying characteristic comprises whether the electronic mail message is an original electronic mail message, whether the electronic mail message is a reply-type electronic mail message, or a recipient of the electronic mail message.

A method for inserting one of a plurality of electronic mail signature fragments into an electronic mail message, comprising the steps:

• identifying a recipient designated to receive the electronic mail message;
• selecting one of the plurality of signature fragments based on an identity of the designated recipient of the electronic mail message;
• and
• inserting a selected electronic mail signature fragment into a body portion of the electronic mail message.