yes, long messages are kind of annoying.
but remember when answering machines first came out? it was cool to have something unique. and that's where these links come in.
Bad Celebrity Impersonations
http://www.sweetthunder.org/tapes/weekthirteen.html
Greetings with a Tune (including Instrumental Tracks so you can lay down your own message)
http://www.sweetthunder.org/tapes/weekfive.html
One more...just terrible
http://www.sweetthunder.org/tapes/weeksix.html