how to catch '=' operations on objects

hi, i've written an extension and want the following: ____________________________ $var = new myObject(); $echo $var->elem; // the php_myObject_property_handler() is called and i can return the value $echo $var // php prints out 'Object' , but i whish to serialize my object and deliver a string _____________________________ is this possible or do i always have to call something like echo $var->serialize(); ? harald. resistance is futile - nme.at