diff --git a/pandora/edit/models.py b/pandora/edit/models.py
index ad33d438..05d97091 100644
--- a/pandora/edit/models.py
+++ b/pandora/edit/models.py
@@ -75,10 +75,12 @@ class Edit(models.Model):
         if 'annotation' in data and data['annotation']:
             c.annotation = Annotation.objects.get(public_id=data['annotation'])
             c.item = c.annotation.item
-        else:
+        elif 'item' in data and 'in' in data and 'out' in data:
             c.item = Item.objects.get(public_id=data['item'])
             c.start = data['in']
             c.end = data['out']
+        else:
+            return False
         if index != None:
             c.index = index
         # dont add clip if in/out are invalid
diff --git a/pandora/edit/views.py b/pandora/edit/views.py
index 6e49f7e2..1a417704 100644
--- a/pandora/edit/views.py
+++ b/pandora/edit/views.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ def addClips(request, data):
     if edit.editable(request.user):
         clips = edit.add_clips(data['clips'], data.get('index'), request.user)
         if not clips:
-            response = json_response(status=500, text='invalid in/out')
+            response = json_response(status=500, text='invalid or missing item/in/out')
             return render_to_json_response(response)
         add_changelog(request, data, edit.get_id())
         response['data']['clips'] = clips
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ def addEdit(request, data):
     if 'clips' in data and edit.type == 'static':
         clips = edit.add_clips(data['clips'], 0, request.user)
         if not clips:
-            response = json_response(status=500, text='invalid in/out')
+            response = json_response(status=500, text='invalid or missing item/in/out')
             return render_to_json_response(response)
 
     if edit.status == 'featured':