Massive empty grey squares on iOS app

[MountainDweller]

There seem to be larger ads in the app iOS, iPad) these days - big square ones instead of banners within the thread then a big square one at the end.

I understand there have to be ads but this is very off putting - sometimes there are just huge grey squares with no ad, and even when there is an ad, the space before it means I think I've reached the end of the thread when I haven't. It's every five posts so pretty intrusive.

Are things going to stay like this or is there a tweak coming to make it more readable? Really wishing I hadn't updated!

Yep it's horrible

Hey, OP,

We can imagine this is pretty frustrating.

Would you be able to send over a screen shot and let us know if this is happening on all threads? We'll then take things from there.

Hi @CarolineMumsnet thanks for the reply and sorry for the delay getting back to you.

It's not on every thread, but it happens frequently. Possibly more to do with the time than the thread - eg no squares at 3pm, squares at 10pm.

They actually seem to have changed to rectangles now which are slightly less annoying.

Here are a couple of screenshots (they look huge but no preview on the app so crossing my fingers and pressing post)





Oh... pics didn't work at all
Trying again

Thanks so much OP - please do bear with us whilst we investigate.

Hey @MountainDweller thanks for raising this. It's basically a space where there would usually be an advert. When an advert isn't returned, it just shows a blank space instead of the word 'advert' or something. There might be a way of hiding it, but it's a good bit of work to get right without affecting the performance.

In the meantime, thank you for your patience!

Thanks @TimMumsnet - I do get that, but it seems inconsistent. For example looking at this thread just now I have a more acceptable smaller space, screenshot below.

Also I imagine it's not beneficial to advertisers if people stop reading threads half way through because they think the grey blob means they've reached the end?