diff --git a/creativecommons.module b/creativecommons.module
index 20b9d07..cdf8739 100644
--- a/creativecommons.module
+++ b/creativecommons.module
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ function creativecommons_settings($form, &$form_state) {
     '#base_type' => 'textarea', 
     '#title' => t('Custom Message'),
     '#rows' => 10,
-    '#default_value' => $user_message['value'],
+    '#default_value' => isset($user_message['value']) ? $user_message['value'] : '',
     '#format' => isset($user_message['format']) ? $user_message['format'] : filter_default_format(),
     '#description' => t('Customize the message displayed to users when adding a license.  This message overrides both the main message and the public domain message when public domain is enabled'),
     '#process' => array('filter_process_format'), 
@@ -2547,4 +2547,4 @@ function creativecommons_token_values($type, $object = NULL) {
 function creativecommons_status() {
   //admin/config/search/creativecommons
   return 'Installed, but no default jurisdiction selected or licenses enabled.';
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}