I don't assume that the images that show up in the Hot 20 are the best. Sometimes I think they are, but that assessment is independent of the Hot 20 designation. Many works there are far better than I can do at this point, so I look at them for inspiration and motivation. But to assume that they're anything more than "the ones that got the votes" is like saying that high school popularity polls are worth anything, which they aren't. Where are the jocks and cheerleaders now? And where are the math nerds? :-) Legume has an interesting point which resonates (as it's election day here in the USA.) Those that campaign most effectively are usually the ones that get the votes. That's all it means. Quality is a subjective value to some degree, anyway. This is not to dismiss the Hot 20. It's fun. It's just not anything that matters, ultimately. It won't help your career. It won't pay the bills. It won't win you a raise. It might boost your ego, nothing wrong with that, but apparently that's the be-all and end-all for some (?)