diff --git a/lib/microappplugin.php b/lib/microappplugin.php
index f36253db93..1dfc44634f 100644
--- a/lib/microappplugin.php
+++ b/lib/microappplugin.php
@@ -289,6 +289,7 @@ abstract class MicroAppPlugin extends Plugin
         } catch (Exception $e) {
             common_log(LOG_ERR, $e->getMessage());
             // try to fall back
+            $out->elementStart('div');
             $nli->showAuthor();
             $nli->showContent();
         }