diff --git a/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb b/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
index d1ec4fd69..c76c46f68 100644
--- a/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
+++ b/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
@@ -4,13 +4,11 @@ module PublishingCukeHelpers
   end
 
   def append_to_publisher(txt, input_selector='#status_message_fake_text')
-    status_message_text = find("#status_message_text", visible: false).value
-    find(input_selector).native.send_key(" #{txt}")
+    elem = find(input_selector)
+    elem.native.send_keys(' ' + txt)
 
     # make sure the other text field got the new contents
-    if input_selector == "#status_message_fake_text"
-      expect(page).to have_selector("#status_message_text[value='#{status_message_text} #{txt}']", visible: false)
-    end
+    expect(find("#status_message_text", visible: false)).to have_value txt
   end
 
   def upload_file_with_publisher(path)