diff --git a/layout/browser/base.py b/layout/browser/base.py
index d930111..ecc0eb1 100644
--- a/layout/browser/base.py
+++ b/layout/browser/base.py
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ class BaseView(object):
             requirements.add(p)
 
     def getMessage(self, id):
-        return self.request.form.get('loops.messages').get(id, {})
+        return self.request.form.get('loops.messages', {}).get(id, {})
 
     def renderText(self, text, contentType):
         typeKey = util.renderingFactories.get(contentType, None)
diff --git a/layout/browser/node.py b/layout/browser/node.py
index 67b9d92..6e04488 100644
--- a/layout/browser/node.py
+++ b/layout/browser/node.py
@@ -92,5 +92,5 @@ class LayoutNodeView(Page):
         return not IUnauthenticatedPrincipal.providedBy(self.request.principal)
 
     def getMessage(self, id):
-        return self.request.form.get('loops.messages').get(id, {})
+        return self.request.form.get('loops.messages', {}).get(id, {})