1. A computer implemented method of providing visual feedback to a computer user during manipulation of selected text on a display device of a computer system, the computer system including a cursor control device for interactively positioning a cursor and an insertion caret on the display device, the computer also having a signal generation device for signaling an active state and an inactive state, the method comprising the computer implemented steps of: a) in response to an active state of the signal generation device while the cursor is over the selected text at a source location on said display device: 1) creating and displaying a text object of the selected text; 2) de-emphasizing the selected text at the source location; b) in a finite series of steps moving the text object on the display device along a line between the source location and the cursor until the text object reaches the cursor; c) displaying the insertion caret near the cursor; d) in response to an inactive state of the signal generation device while the cursor is over a destination location: 1) on the display device zooming from a first bounding rectangle for the selected text at the source location to a second bounding rectangle for the selected block of text at the destination location; and 2) displaying on screen the selected text at the destination location.