ELDAs :: Elven Literature and Design Awards

Rules for the ELDAs

Dates to Remember

Nomination Period : May 1 to July 16

Voting Period : July 17 to July 24

Ceremony and Results : Saturday, July 29th : Live!

All items nominated for an ELDA must be archived at Dream Elf.

My story/art is not currently archived at Dream Elf. Does that mean it isn't eligible?

Heck, no! Just add it to the appropriate area and you're set. If you need help, contact one of the organizers (listed on the contact page) and they will be more than happy to assist.

The rules of Dream Elf specify that an elf must be part of the story or art submitted. What if my story or art has no elves?

Unfortunately, unless your story or art has an elf in it somewhere, then it is not eligible for Dream Elf, nor is it eligible for an ELDA. We're loose with our rules, but we do need to have some sort of structure.

What are the rules for posting at Dream Elf?

For more information on that, please see the individual modules, which are all accessible via the Dream Elf Portal or by clicking on the individual links at the bottom of each of the pages in the ELDA web.

All items nominated must either be nominated by the author or artist, or permission from the author or artist must already have been obtained.

I know art/a story that is really great, but it isn't mine. What should I do?

Contact the author or artist. Either poke them to do their own nominating, or obtain permission to nominate for them.

I am nominating for someone else. How will you know they gave permission?

Each nomination form has a spot where you can add notes or nomination permission. Basically, if they okayed the nomination via IM or Email, just copy and paste it there.

What will happen if I nominate someone without seeking permission?

Well, that would just be naughty, because it could mess things up later if they truly do not find it flattering or appealing to be nominated. Therefore, please only nominate yourself or those who have given you permission. If the person you want to nominate says no, they most likely really do mean no.

Will my name be posted as the one who nominated a story or work of art?

We love you dearly, but no, we want to keep the entries as clean as possible for reading, browsing, voting and the like, so we will not be posting who nominated who. Which also means, those of you who want to nominate yourself but don't want to look like you have a huge ego - only the organizers will ever know. And chances are, they'll forget who nominated who anyhow.

I noticed that my story/art is nominated, but I did not give permission. What do I do?

Let us know; we'll remove it promptly, and go back in the emails to check who did such a naughty thing. Then, we'll send Thranduil and his incredible spanking stick over to see the naughty nominator who didn't follow the rules...

Can Thranduil come and visit me even if I did follow the rules?

Er... let me point you in the direction of our 'Smuttiest Line' category...

There is no time restriction on nominated works.

I wrote something back in 1980 before the movies really exploded the fandom online. Would this be eligible?

It sure is! Hey, if someone nominated Leonard Nemoy's Ballad of Bilbo Baggins and he accepted the nomination, we'll allow it!

All works MUST be completed. No "WIP" (Work in Progress) will be accepted.

I want to nominate something for the best beginning category. Work in progress shouldn't matter, so can I nominate it?

Because part of the reason for these awards is to promote the works to others in the fandom, pointing out works that are not yet finished can serve to discourage the reader. Therefore, only works which are completely done are allowed. Don't despair! We plan to do this for many years to come, so very likely your favorite unfinished story will be eligible a few years from now.

I want to nominate a character that I have used in a number of my stories in a series I am writing. Because the entire series isn't complete, does that mean I am not eligible?

Your character is eligible, but the passage you use must come from one of the stories which has already been completed.

There is no limit to the number of works which can be nominated, nor is there a limit to the number of categories a single artist or author can win.

So I can nominate my works in every single category?

You bet!

I could even win every single category?

...who are you, Professor Tolkien? Then again, hey, it's very possible one person could in fact hit the jackpot on every single category. Improbable, but not impossible. Remember, Glorfindel was brought back to life, Galadriel brought down a big tower basically with her mind, and Pippin somehow survived the war... anything is possible.

What if there is only one item nominated for a particular category?

I guess that means it'll be easy for that person to win, won't it?

All winners will be announced on Saturday, July 29, 2006 at a LIVE awards show and party hosted by Dream Elf.

You mean I won't know ahead of time whether I won?

Nope. All envelopes are sealed, with a kiss, by not-so random members of the Galadhrim. We do hope to see you at the ceremony!

What do I do if I win?

Smile, and if you like, you are allowed to make an on-the-spot speech. You aren't required, but boy, after all that hard work, it sure is a nice bit of recognition! Also, be prepared to get elf-snuggled by the presenter, and then, enjoy your fabulous award icon, suitable for posting at your blog or website.

But I can't attend!

Don't worry - a list of winners will be available after the ceremony, and your icon will be sent to you via email.