diff --git a/dad-joke.el b/dad-joke.el
index adbfc4c..e5a7eae 100644
--- a/dad-joke.el
+++ b/dad-joke.el
@@ -43,9 +43,11 @@ If INSERT is non-nil the joke will be inserted into the current
 buffer rather than shown in the minibuffer."
   (interactive "P")
   (let ((joke (dad-joke-get)))
-    (if insert
-        (insert joke)
-      (message joke))))
+    (if (and joke (not (zerop (length joke))))
+        (if insert
+            (insert joke)
+          (message joke))
+      (error "I didn't get the joke! :-("))))
 
 (provide 'dad-joke)