diff --git a/lmfdb/local_fields/main.py b/lmfdb/local_fields/main.py
index bc490d5bf5..53c929346b 100644
--- a/lmfdb/local_fields/main.py
+++ b/lmfdb/local_fields/main.py
@@ -305,14 +305,14 @@ def galcolresponse(n,t,cache):
     return group_pretty_and_nTj(n, t, cache=cache)
 
 def formatbracketcol(blist):
-    if blist is None:
-        return 'not computed'
     if blist == []:
         return r'$[\ ]$'
+    if blist == '':
+        return 'not computed'
     return f'${blist}$'
 
 def intcol(j):
-    if j is None:
+    if j == '':
         return 'not computed'
     return f'${j}$'