I think sometimes people forget:
http://backstage.eve-inspiracy.com/index.php?topic=1389.0GalNet = Intergalactic Summit. Those making their in-character points with grace and conviction, and backing them up with in-game action, will win the adulation of the masses and are likely to be included in the storyline.
Post prior to first attack:
http://www.eveonline.com/ingameboard.asp?a=topic&threadID=1423503Note: Never was there mention, prior to the event, of success or failure; simply that the emplacements had been dropped, and the preparations made.
Account of the attack:
http://www.eveonline.com/ingameboard.asp?a=topic&threadID=1423552&page=1After-action report confirming events:
http://www.ihavereturned.com/latestreports.htmlAgain, posting on IGS + backing it up in space = inclusion in story, but does not guarantee success. Claiming success beforehand is a bit of a stretch, but given this circumstance, I don't see that as having happened.
Now, claiming to be directing planetary defenses, hacking Sansha capsuleers, and the like... that's touchy. Again, those who have been "successful" with that have been vocal on the forums. IGS + In-space actions = inclusion in storyline.
When I was playing Nikilaiki Ruutarhara, you'd be surprised the interesting and fascinating things I discovered about Sansha's Nation. Posting in the forums, alongside going to attacks and "doing my thing", resulted in inclusion in some pretty interesting RP and revelations that might just be lost to time.
Stuff like:
-Cloned Sansha's Nation True Slaves.
-Fed Navy/FDU surveillance in Intaki.
-Haeldone Dorgiers "Going Rogue" to face the Nation threat (and helping him test whether or not he could actually fight back against Sansha Loyalists).
-The "Big Secret" at the Tama wormhole, and why it stayed open.
Nikilaiki never fired a shot either. Well, except at Haeldone Dorgiers, but he asked me to do it. I swear!
In other words, find a way to interact and run with it. Try not to step on other people's toes. Posting in local about "taking control of planetary defenses" is kind of a touchy subject; I wouldn't personally do it, but I also wouldn't call someone on it IC (heck, you could always justify it as PsyOps; trying to convince Sansha that Capsuleers have more power than they do).
It's not
wrong, but it's kind of like saying to a DM during an attack by a dragon on a town, "Okay, now I go to the town guard and lead them in defending the city". You are perfectly within your rights to say so; the other players are within their rights to roll eyes, possibly make verbal jabs, and for the DM to say "Uh, no. They're off doing X while you are looking for them. You just wasted a turn, and 20 peasants just died as you were looking for the City Guard."
The defense of "But I planned this out all nice, see? I have charts, maps, strategically placed siege gear..." doesn't work. Why? Because you didn't show it to the DM beforehand. Also, if your character doesn't have the actual skills and/or ability to set up said defenses it kind of makes it impossible to pull off.
On the other hand, you character has the skills, means, and opportunity to do X, and you inform the DM beforehand, you're more likely to have your plan put into action. When the dragon comes, your siege weapons go off without a hitch, peasants are safely within the reinforced shelters you helped design, and the guards are all in magical gear that protects them from the dragon's breath.
It still doesn't keep them safe if marauding orcs attack you on your way to assist; you know, because your plan hinges on you being able to hit that "sweet spot" you discovered on that ancient scroll that told you exactly where to hit the dragon between scales marked with an "X" and a "Y". The city guard stands up for a while, but eventually they get decimated anyway because the Dragon just won't die, and it just keeps hacking and slashing it's way through your well laid plans...
...yes, I'm aware that I've played far, far too much Dungeons and Dragons in my time.
The town is lost, but you did interact.
Which is more rewarding?
The long and the short of it: You can do what you want, but you are most likely to succeed when you do things that a Capsuleer can do. Placing planetary infrastructure for the purpose of planetary defense and announcing on IGS that you are doing so, in order for the Event Team to actually
see it, is the way to go. With 200+ people in local at any given time, IGS is the best place to give the Event Team a heads-up on the situation so they are on the lookout for you in-game.