diff --git a/eliss.el b/eliss.el
index 17dd625..31f9652 100644
--- a/eliss.el
+++ b/eliss.el
@@ -80,8 +80,9 @@ certain other properties.
                (input (@ (type "text")
                          (name ,name)
                          (id ,name)
-                         ,(when placeholder `(placeholder ,placeholder))
-                         ,(when default `(value ,default))))))))
+                         ,@(when placeholder
+                             `((placeholder ,placeholder)))
+                         ,@(when default `((value ,default)))))))))
 
 (defun eliss-project-page (httpcon)
   "Send a list of issues and an issue-creation form over HTTPCON."