As promised, here is the code for my demo of adding feature pointers to WordPress in version 3.3

And again, please do not use these in distributed plugins/themes.  They're only slated for Core at the moment, but if you feel that they'll help in your custom theme/plugin development with clients, feel free!

[cc lang="php" width="580"]
/*
Plugin Name: WordPress Portland Meetup Pointer Demo
Plugin URI:
Description: Demonstrate feature pointers in WP 3.3
Author: Eric Mann
Version: 1.0
Author URI: http://eamann.com
*/

add_action( 'admin_enqueue_scripts', 'pdxwp_pointers_header' );
function pdxwp_pointers_header() {
$enqueue = false;

$dismissed = explode( ',', (string) get_user_meta( get_current_user_id(), 'dismissed_wp_pointers', true ) );

if ( ! in_array( 'pdxwp_pointer', $dismissed ) ) {
$enqueue = true;
add_action( 'admin_print_footer_scripts', 'pdxwp_pointers_footer' );
}

if ( $enqueue ) {
// Enqueue pointers
wp_enqueue_script( 'wp-pointer' );
wp_enqueue_style( 'wp-pointer' );
}
}

function pdxwp_pointers_footer() {
$pointer_content = '

Welcome WordPress Portland!

';
$pointer_content .= '

This is an example of an admin pointer.

';
$pointer_content .= '

You can use it in your themes ';
$pointer_content .= 'and plugins.

';
?>

}

?>
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