Aside from offering the text in a valuably rich informational setting, they do something else: They keep the speech alive for days after its delivery as a topic of national discussion and reflection, and invite citizens to dig in.

FORBES: The annotated State Of The Union(s)

It has already tested the waters on commercialising its flow of information by offering to promote a particular topic on its list of trending topics as a form of advertisement.

FORBES: Bill Keller, Guy Adams And The Twitting Of Twitter

Since the concept of IW emerged in the mid-1990s as a topic of heated debate, its definition remains in a state of continual flux.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: What is IW?

Lloyds Banking Group's focus returns this week to the topic of its future management as the bank takes a series of steps to boost its financial health, including its successful bond exchange.

WSJ: What's News

As the event neared its conclusion, a man in the back of the restaurant raised his hand and broached a topic not often heard at the VFW and American Legion halls where McCain preferred to campaign.

CNN: Analysis: Is McCain finding his way on faith?