The current issue of The New York’s all about “Innovators,” and starts with three separate Bruce McCall-created covers called “The Ascent of Man.” I’ve read one piece so far, a mercifully short (for him) and totally engaging piece Ken Auletta profile on Walter Mossberg, the powerful Wall Street Journal Personal Tech columnist and something of a conference mogul. The best idea of the piece comes at the end. For years, a Mossberg pick or pan could make or break a product (and still can). But in the age of Gizmodo, Endgadget and a thousand blogs-a-blooming, how important is one trusted authority on consumer technology—or anything else.

Also receiving votes for good reads in big media today:
From The Wall Street Journal, how to be a YouTube star.

From The New York Times Magazine, featuring a cameo by my favorite coffee spot, Gorilla, how to use the net to make friends and influence musicians.