I would like to be able to add a page number to the drawings being published. I would like to add a text string before the each drawing is printed - I don't care to save it after the print is done. I think I can initilize and keep track of the page number value, but I am not sure if it is possible to detect the fact that a print event is part of the "PUBLISH" job as opposed to any other context. I'd prefer to do this in lisp because it is easier for me to distribute but would consider alternative customization languages if it is not possble in lisp.
Any advice?
VBA has a beginplot event that you could track. AutoLISP does not have that event so, you would need ot use a vlr-command-reactor. Use the :VLR-Commandwillstart event and look for plot or publish commands. As far as adding text before the plot but after the plot command has been issued, you would need to use (vla-add-text ... to the current layout block object. I'm not sure what you want is even possible though.
It might be easier to create your own custom form of the plot command and then use that.
You may need to switch customization languages. Sounds like a job for .NET customization.