Twice-monthly e-mail briefing for independent aftermarket distributors serving the transportation industry A summary of relevant articles culled from hundreds of top news sources The inside track to business best-practices to help you do your job It’s what decision makers need to know It's FREE!       Privacy Information       SmartBrief and CVSN will not rent, sell, or trade your e-mail address to any external entities -- ever. Click here to read our Privacy Policy.       About SmartBrief About CVSN     Send CVSN SmartBrief story to a colleague. * Your Name * Your E-mail * Friend's E-mail Separate multiple addresses with commas.   Personal Message * Indicates required fields Terms and Conditions: You must submit valid e-mail addresses only. Use of e-mail addresses is subject to the terms of SmartBrief's privacy policy. Here's the story you're sending: Humor can aid advertising, soften debate Humor works in advertising because people like other people who do not take themselves too seriously, says USA TODAY columnist Steve Strauss. Self-effacing humor "signals that you are confident, secure and easygoing," he says.  USA TODAY (6/23)