# Had to duplicate the prompt, <read>, and chomp.
# Duplication is bad!
# Use the DRY principle: [D]on't [R]epeat [Y]ourself!
my $word;
print 'Please enter a word: ';
chomp($word = <STDIN>);
while ( $word !~ /^\s*$/ ) {
   print "You entered '$word'\n";

   print 'Please enter a word: ';
   chomp($word = <STDIN>);
}