If you sprinkle in tidbits here and there, the research works well. It's those 8 paragraph blocks explaining what a schnerble is and it's importance in world history that kill a story. Personally, I find the short challenges and contests a nice break as they force me to look at my writing and how to chop things down. It's also a way to look more objectively at how I write because these aren't as dear to me as my novels. And we'll find out the winners very soon now. Very soon indeed. Those who aren't being published in issue #7 are more than welcome to post their original length stories in the forum. Cheers!