Have you been to a Rascal Flatts show lately? Or a Brad Paisley concert? And if so, have you seen all those texting screens by the side of the stage? The ones that say things like “Joe Don rox my world” and “I’m all :) for u Gary” and “My BFFs and I <3 Brad 4ever.” Fans text because they care but also because it brings them closer to a meet-and-greet with the band if they win this texting contest.

After years of trying myriad ways to get backstage, I was skeptical that a mere text could get you a chance to meet your idols. I assumed it was just another way for the phone companies to make money. But I was wrong. The people at Mozes, one of the companies that does these in-venue fan engagement programs (yes, that is seriously what they’re called), explained everything. It makes sense now. Strike while the iron’s hot and all that. You love Flatts, you’re at a show, you have an unlimited texting plan, so you can text all night to try and win. There are no up charges. The only real cost is if you get your hopes up too high and then you don’t win your way backstage.

What’s in it for Mozes is the info they collect on you — your name, cell number, bands you love, stuff like that. If you decide to opt into their collection of fans, they’ll send you album updates and ask you questions about your favorites songs. It’s a great way for artists to stay in touch with the hundreds of thousands of people in their mob (mobile community) without too much cost to the artist or the fan.

So go ahead. Text all night. And if you win, that wld b ttly way 2 kewl.