diff --git a/reddit/api.py b/reddit/api.py
index 3ce84b1..e060dcc 100644
--- a/reddit/api.py
+++ b/reddit/api.py
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ class Inbox():
         return self._inbox_data.__iter__()
 
     def send(self, to, subject, text):
-        if not self.login_cookie:
+        if not hasattr(self, 'login_cookie') or not self.login_cookie:
             raise NotLoggedIn
 
         data = { 'to': to,
diff --git a/reddit/tasks.py b/reddit/tasks.py
index c4c7bff..83faee2 100644
--- a/reddit/tasks.py
+++ b/reddit/tasks.py
@@ -4,6 +4,6 @@ import settings
 
 @task(ignore_result=True)
 def send_reddit_message(to, subject, message):
-    ib = Inbox(settings.REDDIT_USER, settings.REDDIT_PASSWORD)
+    ib = Inbox(username=settings.REDDIT_USER, password=settings.REDDIT_PASSWORD)
     ib.send(to, subject, message)