I'll echo @markrmorrisjr - this isn't advertising - it's more like paying CNN/Fox/BBC/ABC etc. to appear on their evening news and not overtly tell viewers that how that story was selected.
Two related observations:
- I know they aren't trending, but check out @dailytop10open's posting strategy.
- A somewhat more honest take on the trending page (which most of you will ahve already seen, but just in case you didn't) How To Get To The Trending Page On Steemit Even If You're An Autistic, Paint Chip-Eating Bork Like Me