Wordpress widget for post specific content in sidebar - wordpress

Question

I am looking for a wordpress plugin that will allow me to add a paragraph to the sidebar that is specific to the blog post. I would need to be able to add that text when creating the post. Is there something out there like that? I have been unsuccessful in searches.
Thanks

Answer 1

This can be easily solved using Custom Fields, the Text Widget and a Shortcode.
This bit of code goes in the theme's functions.php or, preferable, within a custom plugin.
1) Enable shortcodes for the Text Widget
add_filter( 'widget_text', 'do_shortcode' );
2) Define the shortcode, read comments for details
add_shortcode( 'mytext', 'so_13735174_custom_text_widget' );
function so_13735174_custom_text_widget( $atts, $content = null )
{
global $post;
// $post contains lots of info
// Using $post->ID many more can be retrieved
// Here, we are getting the Custom Field named "text"
$html = get_post_meta( $post->ID, 'text', true );
// Custom Field not set or empty, print nothing
if( !isset( $html ) || '' == $html )
return '';
// Print Custom Field
return $html;
}
3) Add a Text Widget in the desired sidebar.
Leave the title empty and put the Shortcode in the content: [mytext].
4) Now each page or post with a Custom Field named text will have its value printed in the Widget.
5) The $html can get fancy and multiple Custom Fields can be used.

Answer 2

This isn't something that I've ever personally done, but try this.
Summary: You will add the a paragraph using a custom field, then display it in a widget.
Details:
First, make sure custom fields are enabled. Edit a post, then click
the "screen options" at the top right of the page. If "Custom
Fields" isn't checked, check it. You should now see a custom field
area below the post editor.
Come up with a name for your custom field. Perhaps
"extra_paragraph". Now put that in the "name" field in the custom
field area.
Write your paragraph in the "value" field the custom field area.
Install the Custom Field Widget plugin, set it to display this
new "extra_paragraph" field. (widget appears to be untested with newer versions of Wordpress so cross your fingers!)
Now when you write or edit posts you should see this "extra_paragraph" field as an option in the "name" dropdown.