You can probably come up with several ideas about importance of communicating even though nothing has changed. That's especially true if you're one who didn't hear from someone else.

First, you may have made plans that assume either a change in or a continuation of status quo. Perhaps you're holding off on holiday plans until issue is resolved one way or other.

Second, at least you know that an anticipated decision or event hasn't yet occurred, and that you didn't miss something (for example, as I write this I'm waiting for a client to confirm some information and it would be nice to know that I haven't missed a callback or an emailed reply).

Third, if you've received an update telling you nothing has happened, you don't need to contact that person and ask if there have been any developments. Similarly, you can advise people who look to you for information.

One other note about 'nothing can be something' idea: It's a variation on what I've called Everybody Knows syndrome. That refers to a failure to communicate, based on assumption that others know what I know.

In summary, it's a good idea to report regularly, even if nothing has happened, since others may not know you're still waiting as well.

But, when you think of a case study, think of it as a more elaborate and more logically constructed story. And, it's usually a real-life story. To illustrate idea further, let's go through steps involved in creating one.

Your case study starts by identifying a person and an organization, along with relevant information that provides context to issue addressed in case.

It also introduces decision or dilemma. In many cases, writer sets out two or more possible options. One of those options may be to do nothing, to maintain status quo. Another option may demand significant changes, and yet a third option would require more modest changes. However you set options, they should offer distinct choices to reader. Don't allow a muddling-through solution that involves easy compromises.

Now that you've set out choices, provide basic facts and opinions reader will need to make a logical choice. Like writer of a mystery novel, you need to provide all critical information without giving away solution. And like a mystery writer, you may introduce a few false trails.

As you develop case study, keep in mind that you're trying to convey that person or company in case had to make a difficult decision. And more reader feels that difficulty, more effective case.

Finally, provide an outcome if possible. Let reader know which option person or company chose, and how that decision worked out. After all, you've been telling a story, and your audience will want to know how it ended. Ideally, you would not give reader access to outcome until after he or she makes that decision.

In summary, you can make your point more powerfully by creating a case study, a specially constructed story that puts reader or listener in shoes of a decision maker.