Can I allow a user to create a Node using only an embeded rich text editor In Drupal 7, I'd like to present the user with a single text box, that when submitted, creates a new node or entity. 

I don't want them to have the standard node/add/type link and interface. Rather, I'd prefer a block that has a CKeditor and submit button. Upon submission, the content of this text box will become a new Node (or entity). The title will be auto-generated. 

In some way I'm looking to replicate the functionality of Drupal 6's Facebook-style Statuses (Microblog) -- the same patterns now found on larger social sites: G+, Twitter, Facebook. However, instead of saving to a single database table, I'd like to Drupal to create a new node or entity from that content. 

From comments below, I've been pointed towards Rules. However, I'm still having issue with how to go from submission of that single rich text area to triggering a Rule. Would the module Rules Forms Support be of help?
I have done this using:


Automatic Node Titles Module



  "auto_nodetitle" is a small and efficient module that allows hiding of
  the content title field in the form. To prevent empty content title
  fields one can configure it to generate the title by a given pattern.



Advanced Form Block Module



  Welcome to Advanced Form Block Module. With this module you can do the
  following:
  
  1) Create any number of blocks with a particular node edit form.
  
  2) create any number of blocks with a particular node add form of a
  content type.
  
  3) Create as many blocks as you like of each kind.
  
  4) From the content type choose which fields to display on a per block
  basis.However required fields will be automatically displayed.
  
  5) All forms will be saved through ajax. So multiple node forms can be
  independently placed on a single page and worked with simultaneously.


With configuration and some css, you can get it looking really nice, and as a block it can go anywhere you want. You can also use hook_form_alter() on the appropriate form:

$form['actions']['submit']['#value'] = 'BUTTON TEXT';

to change the text of the submit button