DOCBOOK-APPS: Generating Text on Page Borders

I want to generate my documents with notes on a broad border on the
outer side of the pages, like in many books. Notes, Tips, etc.

However, I don't have the slightes idea how to do this.

A connected problem is, that I can't get FOP to render the documents for
two pages (double.sided=1). I just get, surprise, a 'null' when I try
this. 

Any suggestions?

Stephan