Abstract: Studies on Semantic Annotation reveal how trying to match heterogeneous requirements leads to divergent methodologies, models and processes for annotation management and exchange. Community efforts towards the development of shared solutions are important to reduce the “entropy ” of the field; nonetheless, any agreement on the ultimate annotation system is unlikely to be achieved. We propose a solution to this problem by defining a comprehensive framework, unbound to any specific design/annotation model, and instantiable into concrete system implementations, to meet different requirements. Towards this goal, we commit to fairly general assumptions, valid across disparate systems and not excessively constraining. Firstly, most systems deal with combined management of ontologies and Web content. Secondly, these systems can be described through a common behavioural model, in terms of an assignment of handlers to predetermined events. This behavioural model can be then enriched through progressive levels of specification, thus fostering a convention-over-configuration approach in detailing its characteristics. Then, recurring design fragments can be identified, in order to provide abstractions and specifications for the definition of concrete handlers. 1