diff --git a/src/node/handler/PadMessageHandler.js b/src/node/handler/PadMessageHandler.js
index 7ea5039d8..7521c05c4 100644
--- a/src/node/handler/PadMessageHandler.js
+++ b/src/node/handler/PadMessageHandler.js
@@ -656,7 +656,12 @@ function handleUserChanges(data, cb)
           , op
         while(iterator.hasNext()) {
           op = iterator.next()
-          if(op.opcode != '+') continue;
+
+          //+ can add text with attribs
+          //= can change or add attribs
+          //- can have attribs, but they are discarded and don't show up in the apool
+          if(op.opcode == '-') continue;
+
           op.attribs.split('*').forEach(function(attr) {
             if(!attr) return
             attr = wireApool.getAttrib(attr)