I think I can explain how to into the top 20.. if you have enough friends/account getting a mbunch of backers (especially on day 1 or 2) pushes up your backers-per-day which according a few articles is about 50% of your "popularity" score. We had lined nearly enough for full funding before we launched and reached it on day 2. But some of those were bigger backers so we did not have a lot (still don't really have a lot). . On day 3/4 we pushed really hard to get even $1 backers and I could see its impact on our popularity . and for about half a day we made the front page of playing-card on popularity (i.e. top 20). We did not last that long on the page as we stopped getting backers. Also getting comments help and for a while we got all our backers to go in and make comments too. But it did not last long, only getting 2-3 backers a day now, mostly in anticipation of our contest where only backers can participate but can win a free copy of the game. (You are all welcome to join in.. its only a $1 backing
Check out my other thread
pumping-popularity-back-for-back-then-cancel-t4391.htmlSo how might an unscrupulous company get you in the top 20.. they could have a bunch of people or fake account and get them to make dozens or maybe 100 backers which will move you up in popularity. After they are done with your project the could then either withdraw their pledge, or have used an account with limited funds (so its rejected). Or they could even leave $$ as part of their project if they are nice. Seems unlikely.