Around the Word

The new brain drain: The Great Recession may technically be over, but a new study highlighted this week by VSOTD editor David Murray indicates it is still taking its toll on the creativity and energy of leaders. When the economic forecast is gloomy, Murray reports, leaders don't get to stretch their creative muscles and are often stuck in no-win employee situations. Murray asks -- and we want to know too-- have you noticed a change in energy in the thought-leaders you work with? 

HuffPo bloggers take gloves off (carpel tunnel be damned): The big news on the Web this week (now that Charlie Sheen is relatively back on his rocker) was the $105 million lawsuit filed against Huffington Post by a group of disgruntled writers. The suit, led by union organizer and journalist Jonathan Tasini, has cheered many unappreciated and uncompensated bloggers. But more than a few digital sympathizers panned the play. Leading the friendly critics: Slate writer Jack Shafer, who argues that Tasini is more of a gold-digging opportunist than a champion of the people. 

Are you ready for your convention close-up? More and more conferences are asking prospective speakers to submit a video to prove their performance chops. The Eloquent Woman says don't worry, just be snappy -- check out a few of her most helpful tips on how make your speaking style sparkle on film. 

Now for many words from our sponsors: Amazon recently announced the release of an advertisement-supported Kindle that has caused some readers to protest the commercialization of the reading process. But the New York Times reminds us that books have had a long and sordid relationship with advertising. From ads for medical remedies in Dickens serials to cigarette ads in racy 1970s paperbacks, the new Kindle is just another chapter in the "secret history" of books and advertising.