diff --git a/lodgeit/controllers/pastes.py b/lodgeit/controllers/pastes.py
index 824b8a5..4a814b4 100644
--- a/lodgeit/controllers/pastes.py
+++ b/lodgeit/controllers/pastes.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ class PasteController(object):
         getform = req.form.get
 
         if local.request.method == 'POST':
-            code = getform('code')
+            code = getform('code', u'')
             language = getform('language')
 
             parent_id = getform('parent')