automated panel launchers for users

[Joe Schartman <joes rdsgmail jpl nasa gov>]

Hi all,
Im new to gnome dev and interested in how to automate, perferably by 
script, the
creation a gnome app launchers.  I have " panel > add to panel > 
launcher .... " to create a
app launcher for root and now I would like to be able to automate this 
for other users in the same group.  There is obviously more than copying 
~/.gnome/panel.d/default/launcher/{myLanucher}.desktop files since this 
was the first hack I attempted :-)
Also, how much more difficult if the launchers are in a drawer ?

Any pointers or examples are appreciated.

PS : Im not on this mailing list so direct replies to 
joes rdsgmail jpl nasa gov would really help

Thanks, Joe