1. Item that most people will rank #2 or #3 – a safe choice that has consensus in that everybody likes it but not enough to make its inclusion as number 1 seem controversial or edgy.
2. -5. Safe choices that are primarily chosen by looking at sales charts/box office numbers/Metacritic scores and choosing the ones that haven’t suffered critical backlash.
6. Indie darling that you haven’t actually read/watched/heard, but you know everybody likes it.
7. Backward-looking “oh heck, this list covers 10 years instead of just the last 2 or 3″ choice.
8. Well-meaning underdog slot, ie Susan Boyle on list of the Top Ten Graphic Novels of the Decade.
9. Absolutely Bugfuck Insane Choice That Has No Merit Whatsoever.
10. Popular #1 choice from similar lists.
