It's just a I see a lot of people that joined over the past few days making votes and I've gotta think that they are either fake accounts, or, as you said, friends and family who signed up just to vote.  In either case, I'm not sure having friends and family log in to vote for you is really in the spirit of the competition.
That's turning it into more of a popularity contest and less of an art contest.

but yeah, it's all in fun and it's not supposed to be serious, so I guess I shouldn't care.

Good luck

Quote - A side note here:
I knew when I made something (all in bryce) that I would not
stand a chance in you know where ?? (smile)
However,my few votes are from my family and two friends:
I don't ever think of cheating-but people ,friends,family have to know
your in a contest:
I am a beginner (don't know too much and have a lot to learn:
this was just in fun!
Or?? are they giving the winners a trip to Australia lol:
in that case I hope someone wins big time:
Your all so great ,your  artwork is amazing,it's one of the reasons
 I joined many years ago here at Renderosity
I even wear  thier T_S lol:
hugs and good luck to all!!!

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Phillip Drawbridge
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