I have two ideas:

1) Go to admin > settings > click "configure" next to the node type
you want to add the message > provide the "Explanation or submission
guidelines:" and then save.  This will show the text on the top of the
node submission form.

 

Hi Greg,

 

Thank you, this will work for a few. But unfortunately I have some Content Types that are being used for multiple purposes and my need is include description of the purpose at times. So I need something a bit more unique.

 

I guess that HelpTips is the only way to go but I was hoping to not force the use of more real-estate for a HelpBlock.

 

I was hoping to find something that could be a bit more interactive (eg: if the user wants to see it, they click show-me and it appears, then they click it again and it's gone.)

 

thanks

Cozzi 

 
2) For more control you can add something in the theme layer such as
editing the node.tpl.php (I think) or over-riding some theme function.
I'm more guessing here since I've never done exactly this kind of
thing on the node submission form.