Not only do they encourage you to bid, they will let you know if you've been outbid! What a great way to increase bidding, drive up prices and make more money for eBay. If you think I'm being critical, I'm not. This is classic marketing and as a marketing student, I can watch with appreciation.

Here's another example:

Not only do eBay sellers theoretically strive for feedback stars, now they can actually buy a Feedback Star Computer Pal.

“Feedback Star Computer Pals® keep track of your feedback rating for the day! Our Computer Pal attaches to a monitor with a velcro fastener. A spinning wheel can be turned to display the day’s feedback. Limited edition of 500.”

Note that it's a 'limited edition”. Therefore, if YOU want one, you'd better hurry up and get it now before they're all gone. That way, whenever anyone checks out your computer, they will see what a serious eBayer you really are.

Brilliant eBay.