{quote:skimmer}
 I could see it being implemented as a standard feature next to "comment" and attached to a snip in the same way.
{quote}

Well, I never thought on a shoutbox per snip, but actually a shoutbox per application, but that's something that is simple to modify.

{quote:skimmer}
(...) and the persistence based on a Admin(Setup) setting of 1-? days. After the time period the Shout would automatically be removed by a background thread.
{quote}

I don't see the need for having a thread (even if low priority), they could be just ruled out on insertion of other shouts (like is currently being done) or when retrieving the shouts. Any special reason I'm missing and that made you suggest a thread?