Sharing links is one thing, but check out this recent little gem from the site's forums:

"Meanwhile, you're upset and threatening to leave because you've temporarily lost your front page privileges since you were caught not once, but twice, using a custom script to automatically add fake views to every one of your images in order to get the front page (the second time coming two days after you admitted to it and promised me personally that it would never happen again)."

Link if you want to read the whole thread: [forums.railpictures.net]

This involves a very popular photographer who contributes material from around the world, many from places few of us could ever dream of going (or possibly aspire to). I was floored by this action, but I know from personal experience, if one of your photos quickly makes it to one of the homepage positions (Top 24, Peoples Choice, etc.) and sits there all day, you're going to get a ton of views. I guess that's what matters.

Mike Derrick