diff --git a/delojza.py b/delojza.py
index 9e0fb86..699e700 100755
--- a/delojza.py
+++ b/delojza.py
@@ -208,16 +208,18 @@ class DelojzaBot:
             self.handle([url], update.message, self.download_raw, filename=filename)
 
     def handle_text(self, _, update):
-        self.markov.add_to_corpus(update.message.text)
+        if self.markov:
+            self.markov.add_to_corpus(update.message.text)
 
     def tg_start(self, _, update):
-        update.message.reply_text(self.markov.make_sentence())
+        update.message.reply_text(self.markov.make_sentence() if self.markov else "HELLO")
 
     def tg_error(self, bot, update, error):
         self.logger.error(error)
         if "Timed out" in str(error):
             if update is not None:
-                update.message.reply_text(self.markov.make_sentence(tries=100) or "Mmmm, I like it...")
+                default = "Mmmm, I like it..."
+                update.message.reply_text((self.markov.make_sentence(tries=100) if self.markov else default) or default)
                 self.handle_rest(bot, update)
         else:
             if update is not None: