Locking screen position when adding new Ajax content

[timothyvroom]

Hi All,

I've got an Ajax application that pulls in new content as it is
submitted into a window at either the top or bottom depending on the
sort order. However an admin or user may be looking at a particular
entry when the update occurs. As a result new content may be under
their mouse cursor or in the window they were looking at. Are there
any good ways to lock the content in position on the screen while the
update occurs? Currently an admin or user could be clicking on a
control for a particular entry and have it moved out from under them
while they're performing that action.

One option is obviously giving a message that lets them know the update
is occurring or locking certain controls during that time. However
even with that if a lot of new content comes in their view can change a
lot and the user looking at the page can lose their place.

Thanks in advance for any links to resources or suggestions.

--Tim