How is a thread "Hot"?

I like posting on boards, it's fun! I also like receiving feedback on my posts, also fun! What isn't fun is trying to figure out how to get people to see said thread.

I go on the home page and go on "Hot" and compared it to a post I made a couple of hours and was pleased to see summoners commenting on what I said. Said thread got about 30+ views maybe 3 upvotes and 6+ comments. I scrolled down the "hot" page and see posts with 30 views, 1 upvote and 1 comment that made it to "Hot" simply because it was a guy bitching about Yasuo needing a nerf (Because those posts aren't totally everywhere you go on the boards) How do people manage to get thousands of people to see their posts or even get on the Hot page? Is it pure luck and hope a bunch of people suddenly see my posts? Do I have to whore myself out and post my stuff on sites like Reddit? Or is does it search for keywords that and throw them on the "hot" page? (Champion name + nerf/buff, etc.)