diff --git a/world/net/psyc/parse.i b/world/net/psyc/parse.i
index 186b738..7a851b1 100644
--- a/world/net/psyc/parse.i
+++ b/world/net/psyc/parse.i
@@ -1163,7 +1163,7 @@ vamixed startParse(string a) {
 	else {
 		PT(("PSYC startParse got %O from %O\n", a, query_ip_number()))
 		croak("_error_syntax_initialization",
-		    "The protocol begins with a dot on a line by itself.");
+		    "The old protocol begins with a dot on a line by itself.");
 		// experiencing a loop here, because some implementations
 		// try immediate reconnect. idea: in most places where we
 		// QUIT we should put the tcp link on hold instead, and
diff --git a/world/net/spyc/parse.c b/world/net/spyc/parse.c
index d33422f..e4972dc 100644
--- a/world/net/spyc/parse.c
+++ b/world/net/spyc/parse.c
@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@ void step() {
 	    step();
 	} else {
 	    croak("_error_syntax_initialization",
-		"The protocol begins with a pipe and a line feed.");
+		"The new protocol begins with a pipe and a line feed.");
 	}
 	break;
     default: // uhm... if we ever get here this is the programmers fault
diff --git a/world/net/usercmd.i b/world/net/usercmd.i
index 794994c..bffc9e7 100644
--- a/world/net/usercmd.i
+++ b/world/net/usercmd.i
@@ -1068,7 +1068,10 @@ cmd(a, args, dest, command) {
                 // now you have to declare yourself offline manually
                 // no you don't. if availability isn't offline the
                 // disconnected() handler will clean you out!
-	// fall thru
+		// ok let's do it manually.. see if we get in trouble later.
+		availability = AVAILABILITY_OFFLINE;
+		// yes v("availability") is retained.. maybe useful later
+		return 1;
 	case "offline":
 		announce(AVAILABILITY_OFFLINE, 1, 1, ARGS(1));
 		return 1;