Update database via email

I am working on a site that I would like to be able to update content (basically news stories) on via email. I am sitting with the problem trying to figure out the best way to do this before I start coding. I am curious if anyone else has done this and has a list of "lessons learned" that they would be willing to share. Also is there any code available that does this kind of thing. Thanks in advance, -Jaxn