>>>>This would work perfectly, it really is a good trick. The exception to this would be repeated values of col_id, where each repeated value of that field would point to the same record in the c_color cursor, and thus show in the same color. Which is not much of trouble, IMO, but then I'm not the originator - he may have other requirements (or not have this problem at all). We'll see. I actually like this one, goes with my principle that the color should not be recalculated for each refresh.
>>>
>>>Sorry, I should have used PK to more clearly indicate it's the primary key. :)
>
>I hate this: PK is expanded to Primary Key, even if it's between quotation marks, like here: 'PK'. Think I'll gonna ask Michel to give us the option to prevent expansion, e.g. by using a special character in front of an expression.

What's wrong with the "message view setup" (top right of the message as you view it) - there's the option to expand keywords or not. I usually keep it not expanded. If need be (i.e. if there's another ELA - eight letter acronym - that I don't know), it's easy to expand briefly.