diff --git a/oxdata/poster/models.py b/oxdata/poster/models.py
index aed6a29..39970e3 100644
--- a/oxdata/poster/models.py
+++ b/oxdata/poster/models.py
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ class PosterCache(models.Model):
                 self.failed = True
                 self.save()
             except socket.error, e:
-                self.status = e.reason
+                self.status = str(e)
                 self.failed = True
                 self.save()
         if self.image: