Are side adverts now a permanent part of the layout for MN?

[Grennie]

I just wanted to know if this is a temporary thing, or if this is what MN will look like now. I know it might generate more money from ads, but it really does look awful.

I would like to see a close ad button, like they have on the browser home pages when they have big spread ads.

I agree this green is driving me nuts - especially as you scroll down and the screen changes. If its going to be permanent than at least can we find a better way of positioning it or a close ad button.