why is there aol spam on ebay?

when did the header/footer ads start appearing on ebay's pages? i just noticed today when i went to look at Gecko's lamp.

AOL presents ebay how annoying

I noticed that same thing a few weeks ago, but only for a day. I assumed that someone hacked into eBay & was making a commentary such as "AOL is attempting to take over the world..beware!" But I saw it again yesterday. Makes me wonder if those who use AOL to access eBay & post their auctions get that banner, while those of us not interested in paying $24 for the privelege of internet access don't.

Anyway, I'm glad someone else saw it...I'll cancel that optometrist appointment!

thanks Mike..i thought i was insane. i posted, then later went to look at an item on ebay..and it was Sans AOL..

its a mystery.