"To help them (and, I believe, to help people think beyond the obvious choices) they are reminded of about 150 tracks THAT HAVE ALL BEEN PLAYED BY MIKE HARDING - so if you haven't been on his show you're not on the list."

This is not true. The list comprises every album that Smooth Ops are aware of having been released that year. It is not a list of things that have been played or a list compiled by preference. This means if you didn't send a press release or a copy of the CD then you won't be on the list, but to be honest if you weren't bothered enough to send a copy then why would you be bothered if you were on the list or not?

If you'd like an explanation of why your favourite act isn't on the shortlist, then read Karine Polwarts (far more well-put) words here :- http://www.footstompin.com/forum?threadid=68321&pageid=2 about four replies down.