As far as determining an overall winner, how far does adhering to Eve Lore and Cannon go?

Let me just say that, with 101 stories to read, I now hate you all.

From the stories that I've had the privilege of reading, they all have something worth mentioning.

I have a question about the judging though:

As far as determining an overall winner, how far does adhering to Eve Lore and Cannon go?

I've read some entries that merely toss the name of an NPC into their story and call it good so that they can be considered for the grand prize, then I've seen others that take a significant event of EVE's Lore and Cannon history and bring it alive with their submission. While still good stories, it's evident that some of the them don't have any real connection to any of the rich content we have in such abundance.

Thank you for everyone involved, the amount of fiction received should give anyone a good run for their money. I wish everyone the best of luck.

The rules for the 8,000 Suns category follow Zapatero's guidelines for EON submissions. Basically, the story should fit into the New Eden world, as laid out by the canon. The rules don't say that points will be added for expert use of the canon.

But, that said... If incorporating content from the lore makes the story "better" (more interesting, intriguing, thought provoking, etc.), then that will naturally count in the judging. In other words, a story might be based on a theme or event from the lore. That theme or event is already very interesting. By taking advantage of that already-interesting content and building on it, the story might end up with more richness and impact than it would have otherwise. So though points aren't specifically added for incorporating the lore, taking advantage of the lore could make the story a stronger entry. Or not-- it depends on the story.

Personally the judging criteria I'll be using is whether an entry is a "good story, with good ideas, told well." (Not necessarily told with perfect English grammar, but told well).

I'd be lying if I said I didn't check this page on a daily basis for updates!

I think i see what he is getting at. Your givin away a graphix card and other prizes for adhering to the eve cannon because it is more so difficult to writer for, but some of these entries look like they are wrote for a "day in the life" then changing their in game characters name to an NPCs name so that they could be in the running for that "harder" prize. But hey, if that's all it takes to make your story within the eve lore, go for it I say :)

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

So far, its estimate for when results will be announced is still '42'.