diff --git a/sopel_modules/SpiceBot_AI/AI.py b/sopel_modules/SpiceBot_AI/AI.py
index b2fc9c7..1c75b56 100644
--- a/sopel_modules/SpiceBot_AI/AI.py
+++ b/sopel_modules/SpiceBot_AI/AI.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ from sopel_modules.SpiceBot_Events.System import bot_events_check
 def bot_command_nick(bot, trigger):
 
     # command must not start with
-    if str(trigger).startswith(tuple(['?'])):
+    if str(trigger.args[1])[0] == "?":
         return
 
     while not bot_events_check(bot, ['1004', '2002']):