According to Billboard.com, POISON singer Bret Michaels is a prime example of how starring in a cable TV reality show is one of the best ways for a musician to attain maximum exposure. In a new Q&A;, Michaels talks about just how TV has been good to him. Here are a few excerpts from the chat:

Billboard.com: How would you say your career was going when you decided to do your VH1 reality dating show, Rock Of Love?

Michaels: "I thought it was going great, actually. Poison has continued to tour throughout our 25 years, give or take a few years off for drug rehab and fistfights. I was starting work on my first real solo album, and I'd finished being a judge on season three of "Nashville Star," which ended up as their highest-rated season."

Billboard.com: How has reality TV affected your music career?

Michaels: "TV has absolutely made my sales go up, made my tour guarantees go up. TV has been a great addition to my career. But the key thing is knowing what to walk away from. I advise anyone-especially musicians-to be very careful not to just grab anything they throw your way."

Billboard.com: Were you ever in talks with the American Idol execs to become a judge next season?

Michaels: "Yes. Not only was I in meetings with Fremantle, I made it to what they called the "top four." We also talked a little about Simon Cowell's new show, X Factor, and they asked me about being the host of a dating show they're doing. But if there's someone else that would give great career advice and be a lot of fun on TV, it's Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH)."

Read more here.

Check out the newest edition of Billboard Magazine (October 2nd, 2010 edition) with BRET MICHAELS on the cover and a feature article on Bret called Maximum Exposure.

The magazine is on newsstands now. Here's a peek at the cover: