18. A method for creating an electronic version of machine printed matter, the method including the steps of: optically obtaining image data which can be used to present an electronic image of the printed matter, the electronic image having substantially the same appearance as the printed matter, and a region containing machine printed information which cannot be readily discerned; obtaining and modifying text-based information data entered by a user and representing the information contained in the region containing machine printed information which cannot be readily discerned when viewed by a viewer different and remote from the user in a manner that allows the information to be readily discerned when viewed; creating a reference which can be used to retrieve the information data; and processing the image data and the reference in order to create presentation data, wherein the presentation data can be used to present the electronic image, and to retrieve the information data so that it can be used to present the information contained in the region to the viewer.
18. A method for creating an electronic version of machine printed matter, the method including the steps of: optically obtaining image data which can be used to present an electronic image of the printed matter, the electronic image having substantially the same appearance as the printed matter, and a region containing machine printed information which cannot be readily discerned; obtaining and modifying text-based information data entered by a user and representing the information contained in the region containing machine printed information which cannot be readily discerned when viewed by a viewer different and remote from the user in a manner that allows the information to be readily discerned when viewed; creating a reference which can be used to retrieve the information data; and processing the image data and the reference in order to create presentation data, wherein the presentation data can be used to present the electronic image, and to retrieve the information data so that it can be used to present the information contained in the region to the viewer. 33. The method of claim 18 , wherein the printed matter includes a newspaper or magazine.