diff --git a/server.py b/server.py
index 5bd8c2e..12ca832 100644
--- a/server.py
+++ b/server.py
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def relay():
         received = ""
         while True:
             gemresponse = gemsocket.recv(2048)
-            if gemresponse != "":
+            if gemresponse.decode() != "":
                 received += gemresponse.decode()
             else:
                 break