In 1995, C. I. Christov and M. G. Velarde introduced the concept of a dissipative soliton in long-wave thin-film equation [Physica D 86, 323–347]. 25 years since, subject has blossomed to include many related phenomena. The focus this short note is survey conceptual influence “production-dissipation (input-output) energy balance” that they identified. Our recent results on nonlinear periodic wa...