diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2de7eb4..e8e2b42 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -37,31 +37,48 @@ python3 ollamarama.py
 
 
 **.ai _message_** or **botname: _message_**
+
  Basic usage.
+
     
 **.x _user_ _message_**
+
  This allows you to talk to another user's chat history.
+
  _user_ is the display name of the user whose history you want to use
+
     
 **.persona _personality_**
+
  Changes the personality.  It can be a character, personality type, object, idea, whatever.  Use your imagination.
 
+
 **.custom _prompt_**
+
  Allows use of a custom system prompt instead of the roleplaying prompt
 
 **.reset**
+
  Clear history and reset to preset personality
+
     
 **.stock**
+
  Clear history and use without a system prompt
 
-**Admin only commands**
-                                            
-**.model _model_**
- Omit model name to show current model and available models
- Include model name to change model
-                                                
-**.clear**
- Reset bot for everyone
-                                
+
+**Admin only commands**
+
+
+**.model _model_**
+
+ Omit model name to show current model and available models
+
+ Include model name to change model
+
+
+**.clear**
+
+ Reset bot for everyone
+
 
diff --git a/ollamarama.py b/ollamarama.py
index a3ad762..00ea03d 100644
--- a/ollamarama.py
+++ b/ollamarama.py
@@ -129,10 +129,10 @@ class ollamarama:
             self.messages[channel][sender].clear()
         except:
             pass
-        if persona != None:
+        if persona != None and persona != "":
             # combine personality with prompt parts
             prompt = self.prompt[0] + persona + self.prompt[1]
-        if custom != None:
+        if custom != None  and custom != "":
             prompt = custom
         await self.add_history("system", channel, sender, prompt)
         if respond: