diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/admin/client/FieldEditor.java b/src/java/com/threerings/admin/client/FieldEditor.java
index 0a0d9b974..cb1768858 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/admin/client/FieldEditor.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/admin/client/FieldEditor.java
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ public abstract class FieldEditor extends JPanel
         }
 
         // submit an attribute changed event with the new value
-        if (value != null) {
+        if (!ObjectUtil.equals(value, getValue())) {
             try {
                 _object.changeAttribute(_field.getName(), value);
             } catch (ObjectAccessException oae) {