diff --git a/files/routes/posts.py b/files/routes/posts.py
index a3fb4d6828..8f6ec32741 100644
--- a/files/routes/posts.py
+++ b/files/routes/posts.py
@@ -544,6 +544,9 @@ def submit_post(v:User, sub=None):
 
 	if not title:
 		return error("Please enter a better title.")
+
+	sub = request.values.get("sub", "").lower().replace('/h/','').strip()
+
 	torture = (v.agendaposter and not v.marseyawarded and sub != 'chudrama')
 	title_html = filter_emojis_only(title, graceful=True, count_marseys=True, torture=torture)
 	if v.marseyawarded and not marseyaward_title_regex.fullmatch(title_html):
@@ -551,8 +554,6 @@ def submit_post(v:User, sub=None):
 	if len(title_html) > POST_TITLE_HTML_LENGTH_LIMIT: 
 		return error("Rendered title is too big!")
 
-	sub = request.values.get("sub", "").lower().replace('/h/','').strip()
-
 	if sub == 'changelog' and not v.admin_level >= PERMS['POST_TO_CHANGELOG']:
 		# we also allow 'code contributor' badgeholders to post to the changelog hole
 		allowed = g.db.query(Badge.user_id).filter_by(badge_id=3).all()