How much of a popularity contest is it, really? The top vote getter right now has 42 votes. There are over 1700 people logged in on this site right now (if the statistics are correct). 42 is a pathetic percentage, which shows what a lack of interest there is in the whole Hot 20 thing.

Of course I happen to think it is sad that more people in some places are voting for American Idol then voted for president, but that's neither here nor there.

The Hot 20 is the showcase primarily for a single type of endlessly cloned image (with one exception that I can see). The artists have talent, no question of that in my mind. But the actual voters have a lack of imagination and most forum members have a lack of interest in the whole thing.

So why do we bother with it?

I don't think spamming for votes is the answer.