It was specified in the information sheet sent to freelance writers that Deep Space Nine was not accepting stories involving malfunctioning holodecks. Producer Ira Steven Behr explained that the show had been looking for a unique holodeck story that would be specifically for Deep Space Nine rather than Sherlock Holmes and Dixon Hill detective stories seen in The Next Generation.
The information sheet directed freelance writers away from stories involving malfunctioning holodecks at Deep Space Nine. Producer Ira Steven Behr stated that the show was searching for a distinctive holodeck narrative unique to Deep Space Nine, not replicating the Sherlock Holmes and Dixon Hill detective series seen in The Next Generation.