"This isn't about the pics themselves, but about the comments some of the moderators make about the backroom." I think you must be reading something differently to all the rest of us. Nobody has ever, to my knowledge, suggested that the staff picks are the cre de la cre or the "hottest new talent" or "the best in the site". They're just our faves. We might present it as an alternative list to the Hot 20 - but never as some kind of "Elite" thing. Personally, I like to try and pick images which have not many views or comments as they perhaps deserve. Sometimes that means I'll pick an image which may not be technically excellent, but speaks to me on an emotional level. I can do that because... it's a personal pick. One of the perks of being on staff :-) Don't forget, folks, there's also the "Cool Images" section on the Community Page which are submitted by members. Just send one of us an IM to suggest an image. That section's got a little quiet lately, so maybe everyone forgot about it ;-) Cheers, Karen :-)

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"you are terrifying
and strange and beautiful
something not everyone knows how to love." - Warsan Shire