Azure Islands get message of the day advertising boost

At a recent office hour Jack asked someone if they really believed there was such a thing as a FIC and there was much mirth, is there or isn't there? We don't honestly know. However there has been past history of people being tipped off about policy decisions and now we have the odd sight of the message of the day you see on login advertising land for Azure Islands:



The message reads (in case you can't see it) "Looking for the perfect place to call home? Azure Islands has scenic land for you. CLICK THIS LINK"
 I am not sure why this has happened, how it has happened or what deal Azure Islands have with Linden Lab for them to promote their company on the login screen. How effective is the message of the day? I mean it's a clickable link that doesn't look clickable but I have seen no announcement anywhere saying residents can get their advertising out on the message of the day screen.

A post on the XStreet forum from Ann O'Toole tipped me off about this, so I fired up Second Life and yup, there it was, an advert for Azure Islands. What's going on here? How much does this cost and why haven't people been told about this advertising angle? Personally I doubt I could afford such advertising, although as I've seen no announcement I don't know the costs.

I'd really like to know what is going on here.