1. A method of operating on a non-text message, comprising: searching said non-text message for one or more signal samples having pre-defined characteristics by comparing said one or more signal samples with a stored template having said pre-defined characteristics, said pre-defined characteristics having associated therewith a stored text-based equivalent; upon finding one or more signal samples having said pre-defined characteristics, storing one or more pointers pointing to said found signal samples in said non-text message; upon finding one or more signal samples having said pre-defined characteristics, associating a text string with said found signal samples; storing said text string in an envelope for said non-text message; and storing said one or more pointers in said envelope in association with said text string.