So it looks like a B b code is the way to go. That's good news; an elegant approach.

The bad news? The only times I've ever edited CSS files is when I followed exact instructions. I don't actually know what I'm doing. Would anyone be willing to spare the time to walk me through this whole CSS and BB code creation? (I know where the Custom BB code panel is, and can make very basic ones, but I wouldn't know how to tie that in to a CSS).

Not knowing exactly what you need, I did a simple example calling on a existing style variation most all styles have: "bigusername"

I titled the BB code "stylevar"
BB code tag name "STY"
Replacement code:

HTML Code:

---

<div class="bigusername">{param}</div>

---

Example: [STY]Your Text.[/STY]
Description: Makes text in tags call the "bigusername" css definition
Use {option}: No

You can create a custom stylevar in "additional css definitions" and style it any way you want. Typical "bigusername" looks like this:

/* ***** styling for 'big' usernames on postbit etc. ***** */
.bigusername { font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; }

You can go something like:
/* ***** styling for news item snippet. ***** */
.newsitem { font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; and plus anything else - color? etc. }



Keep in mind you'll have to style the "additional css" definitions for this news snippet bit, in every style you have in order for it to appear the same (or even at all) across your styles.

You know what? I'm an idiot. A complete and utter idiot.

There's already a BB code which does this. The [highlight] tag. It was just a matter of setting the stylevars for it.

I feel very foolish. Thanks for your patience and for taking the time! I'm sorry I wasted it.

Hey no problem - I learned something too! I did not know this.

So who's the idiot? The guy who messes with coding a custom BB code no one needs because it's already there?:D

Been there done that. :)

Your still a good guy @Max Taxable, we can't take that away.

E for effort right? Thanks!