Quote by Seeker4
How often does it refresh? What is the exact formula? Does it use score, view, some combination?
The refresh rate, according to Jen, is 30 days, but that's only a max for the top story (ie April601 most of the time) and others that can hold their place. It's quite possible to be on for only a few days, then get bumped off, as more favored folks are published.
How the algorithm works has also been asked before, but no one seemed entirely sure or willing to say.
I honestly pay no real attention to it, as it is less a measure of writing ability and more the talent for garnering likes, which is a different thing altogether in many cases.