diff --git a/server/aoprotocol.py b/server/aoprotocol.py
index e0c35e8..d21a6a5 100644
--- a/server/aoprotocol.py
+++ b/server/aoprotocol.py
@@ -347,12 +347,11 @@ class AOProtocol(asyncio.Protocol):
                                      self.ArgType.INT, self.ArgType.INT, self.ArgType.INT, self.ArgType.INT,
                                      self.ArgType.INT, self.ArgType.INT, self.ArgType.INT, self.ArgType.STR):
             msg_type, pre, folder, anim, text, pos, sfx, anim_type, cid, sfx_delay, button, evidence, flip, ding, color, showname = args
-            if len(showname) > 0 and not self.client.area.showname_changes_allowed == "true":
+            if len(showname) > 0 and not self.client.area.showname_changes_allowed:
                 self.client.send_host_message("Showname changes are forbidden in this area!")
                 return
         else:
             return
-        msg_type, pre, folder, anim, text, pos, sfx, anim_type, cid, sfx_delay, button, evidence, flip, ding, color = args
         if self.client.area.is_iniswap(self.client, pre, anim, folder) and folder != self.client.get_char_name():
             self.client.send_host_message("Iniswap is blocked in this area")
             return
diff --git a/server/area_manager.py b/server/area_manager.py
index 6b6c939..3ed543d 100644
--- a/server/area_manager.py
+++ b/server/area_manager.py
@@ -49,6 +49,8 @@ class AreaManager:
             self.recorded_messages = []
             self.evidence_mod = evidence_mod
             self.locking_allowed = locking_allowed
+            self.showname_changes_allowed = showname_changes_allowed
+            self.shouts_allowed = shouts_allowed
             self.owned = False
             self.cards = dict()