There is what I call the "hug club" here at renderosity. A collection of cliques, whereby someone of said club posts a picture - despite it being good or not - ultimately gets an overwhelming response of: "great job, hugs" etc...ad infinatum from other members of the hug club.
Take a look at the art charts - there are pictures that deserve to be up there and there are pictures without any artistic merit what so ever. And before people get their panties in a bind - I am not talking about topic - I am talking about technique and skill.
Further to that, I've rarely, if ever seen any creative criticism advised.
If you see a picture with a title with a dedication to such and such person - that's a hug club.
Another way people do it - is by posting a comment on your picture - just so long as you do if for their picture. I've been IM by people telling me that they've commented on my picture and could I please do so for them.
There people that pump out multple pictures per week - the sum comments or favorites is tallied and inevitably gets said artist on the favorite artist board.
At the end of the day - the cream always rises to the top. If your artowork is good you'll get noticed and if it should be your choice. Paid work.
...and let the flaming begin...lol...