[fghh45sdfhr3]

This seems like a very long way to describe the very old advice of never being the first to say a number. There are better articles online, specific to salary negotiation and how to refuse to give a number without being a dick about it.

[GFischer]

I hadn't realized, but you're right, he got them to give the number first.

Also, as many pointed out, the authors' industry is VERY special.