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Original poster

Top bar advertising

488 replies

TalkinBoutWhat · 23/10/2017 13:17

MN, PLEASE fix this advertising bar at the top of the computer screen.

It is so large, that I can't actually click on any of the MN links that are at the top of the page. (eg, active, I'm on, etc).

Right now, on Site Stuff, I can't even click 'Site Stuff' to get other threads in this section. It's hidden by the ad, which is NOT scrolling up and away the way I've seen others do. It's just sitting there. The ONLY threads I can get onto are the active ones on the right hand side of the screen, and only the ones lower down the list as the top ones are hidden by the Ad. (Experian and Marks and Spencers, are the two so far....)

You did this before, we all complained, you apologised and said it shouldn't have been loaded on as you were testing something new. I really hope this was a mistake, because it is IMPOSSIBLE to navigate the site.

OP posts:
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Bucketsandspoons · 27/10/2017 15:29

Yes, it does look like this is a 'get used to it' situation Sad

Sorry, but I just installed the ad blocker here on the laptop. That's now as well as the adblocker I had to install some months back on the ipad when too much advertising made the site unusable on it.

I'm afraid I don't regard it as 'free riding' as MNHQ have made the choice to make the site unusable for me without it.

MNHQ
JustineMumsnet · 27/10/2017 16:16

Hi all,
To update you, the changes we've made now since this thread started are as follows:

We've sorted the original issue whereby the ad was obscuring links at the top of page and we've removed the "lights on" message at the top of the screen in favour of just the word advertisement. We've also introduced a "Remove header" link - you can find that link right at the bottom of the page. It only works if you're logged in and once clicked will stay on for 24 hours unless you re-click on Show Header.

Other things we are still currently working on: cutting right back on the number of Billboards shown (those are the very big ones at the top of the page) - we have some agreements in place so we can't do this overnight - plus seeing if we can load the ad more quickly/ hold it for less time at the top of the page. The other things is a premium version of Mumsnet (cf Reddit Gold) for those who'd rather subscribe than have any display ads. (This is in scoping out phase so will take a wee while but we'll give you an update on our progress as soon as we can).

Thanks, as ever, for all the input we do appreciate it - we are committed to making Mumsnet as usable as possible while also, dare I say it, keeping the lights on.

hiddley · 27/10/2017 16:22

Sounds good.

Laiste · 27/10/2017 17:19

I've clicked the remove header link and nothing is changing. I'm just taken back to the OP of this thread ....

Is the 'header' the permanent strap with mumsnet and then the search bar, my mumsnet and menu up there? 'Cos that's not going away.

WaxOnFeckOff · 27/10/2017 17:22

Sounds good but doesn't work. I clicked remove header and it did - sort off. Went away, came back (still logged in) and as the header was sitting with the spinny thing, I allowed ads back and they came back. The remove header hadn't stayed on. Clicked it again and I still have the banner adds. The whole page freezes for a second every time you refresh the screen for the posts your are on etc. It's a pile of shite and ruining the experience for me. I'll give it a couple of days and then i'm off. i don't mind the adverts being there but this is annoying and frustrating.

ToadTheVampireThreadKiller · 27/10/2017 17:28

I also clicked remove header but it is back, the page scrolls up under the top where it says menu so no access to any of the useful bits at all.

I am really sick of it now, I keep popping back to see if it has improved but it hasn't.

DressedCrab · 27/10/2017 17:34

Remove header isn't working. This is positively the most annoying thing MN has done. Just get rid of it altogether FFS.

WaxOnFeckOff · 27/10/2017 17:45

This is positively the most annoying thing MN has done. Just get rid of it altogether FFS

They can't because companies have paid for a certain size of Ad.

clownfaces · 27/10/2017 17:48

It hasn't made the slightest bit of difference.
I really, really cannot stand it. No mn for me again this evening.

Bucketsandspoons · 27/10/2017 17:55

It looks like currently 'remove header' turns off the header on the page you're currently on, but you have to manually turn it off on every page you open?

I certainly think the contents are worth a subscription, but would be very wary indeed of signing up as was here through the last massive security breach when the site was hacked.

WaxOnFeckOff · 27/10/2017 17:58

Nope, I wont be paying a subscription either, I'm really not sure what the thinking behind that is?

Laiste · 27/10/2017 18:26

Clicking the header link doesn't make it go away for me even for the page i'm on. It literally just shoots me up to the top of the thread Confused

Still got the 16 second drop down white box. I guess that comes under the we'll have to wait as it's a 'bill board'.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 27/10/2017 18:41

If in future posters are expected to pay for an ad free experience, I wonder what will happen to those who don't wish to pay but are using an ad blocker?

It's one thing if this is just a personal preference, but quite another when so many posters are saying the site's unusable if the ads aren't blocked ...

WaxOnFeckOff · 27/10/2017 18:43

Mine isn't great even with the ads blocked :(

I actually had no issues with the ads before so who is losing out here?

hiddley · 27/10/2017 18:51

The header is gone. It's just the bit with the Mumsnet logo I think? One poster wanted an option to hide it as she was naughtily MNing at work.

hiddley · 27/10/2017 18:52

Ok, when I posted that last post as the page was refreshing the logo appeared briefly then vanished.

Saucery · 27/10/2017 19:23

I expect a subscription for an ad free site would lead to an unusable site again for anyone trying to apply an ad blocker.

ToadTheVampireThreadKiller · 27/10/2017 19:38

I suspect that if something isn't done to make the site usable there won't be many people let that give a shit any more.

Some people will pay and take the security risk, I have left twice due to hacking. I won't be giving my payment details out.

Many people can't afford to pay for a phone top up, so won't pay for the ad free version.

Lots of people are complaining about the ads and the fact that the site is not working, with or without an ad blocker.

Is this the beginning of the end? Is Mumsnet about to vanish up it's own arse?

ichbineinstasumer · 27/10/2017 19:45

I just came on here to check whether there was already a thread on this. I don't usually mind the ads, I even occasionally click them. What I'm not willing to put up with is a hige great ad obscuring nearly half the screen that pops up at very regular intervals. So I installed adblocker - and now when I go on to topcashback (I love my topcashback) it's saying I might not get cashback because I've installed ad blocker - I've only installed ad blocker because of these ads on this site. Please sort it out, it's raising my blood pressure and makes me less likely to buying the fucking merchandise as I'm so annoyed about it

Puzzledandpissedoff · 27/10/2017 20:07

I expect a subscription for an ad free site would lead to an unusable site again for anyone trying to apply an ad blocker

I suspect you're right, but if a future "free" site is unusable without an adblocker, paying a subscription becomes almost unavoidable ... which may well be the intention, but what's to say ads wouldn't then appear on a paid for site too? And given the obvious tech problems, what about posters' with worries over security - will they just be expected to pay up on some vague promise that things really will be okay this time?

With regret, I'm starting to agree with those who feel MN is severely damaging its own brand Sad

reflexfaith · 27/10/2017 20:21

If you go to your ad blocker settings you should be able to whitelist TopCashback

OhGodWhatTheHellNow · 27/10/2017 23:19

Right, so you allow ads, you have the bloody great ad which eventually scrolls up, teeth-gritting stuff on every new page.

You block ads, you have a massive chunk of white at the top which doesn't go away, this is also really annoying.

In either case the header stays - the new 'remove header' does nothing.

Not loving these options frankly. Think I'll stick with the MN-induced adblocker.

FaFoutis · 27/10/2017 23:36

a massive chunk of white at the top which doesn't go away

This is what I have. It is horrible.

thetoothfairywhoforgot · 28/10/2017 08:41

Thanks LazyDaily - that has worked! Now I just have a small white space and Mn is usable again.

GreyCloudsToday · 28/10/2017 13:36

Yes, the top bar that moves down and obscures half the screen is driving me mad. I'm glad there's a remove option because it would certainly deter me from using the site.