Quote - 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...

That's the same thing that happened to the now defunct "Hot 20".
Looks like "Art Charts" has taken it's place instead.