Question about Musicians / Actors and "Call Me"

Has anyone noticed the increase in the number of popular musicians and actors that are blatantly putting out their phone numbers on their websites / social networking sites and telling people to call them? I'm thinking there is some sort of blackhatting going on there. Like you call them and your phone gets charged or your phone number is recorded and sold etc. Anyone have any ideas on how this kind of marketing works and perhaps how we could use a "call me" type of situation to our advantage?

I'm sure that this is the case. It seems to be musician's trying to appear more people-friendly and open to the public, but is most likely some automated crap.

Actually, i've known musicians who put there number online cos they just like talking to people.

I've known a band who invited me to a killer party in seatle, but i'm in the UK so i of course couldn't go over. They even offered to pay for the beers.

They were small bands though, no one major. But i can see how it appeals for major artists to seem "down to earth" etc. it's just good PR at the end of the day.

alot of the music artists leaves you a message and lets you leave a voicemail.
they then take the best voicemails and use them as promotion.