diff --git a/classes.py b/classes.py
index 46319ef..538fa69 100644
--- a/classes.py
+++ b/classes.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ from .log import *
 
 ### Exceptions
 
+# XXX: is this the right place to put this class?
 class ProtocolError(RuntimeError):
     pass
 
diff --git a/protocols/ircs2s_common.py b/protocols/ircs2s_common.py
index 6c9c96d..307201a 100644
--- a/protocols/ircs2s_common.py
+++ b/protocols/ircs2s_common.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import time
 import re
 from collections import defaultdict
 
-from pylinkirc.classes import IRCNetwork
+from pylinkirc.classes import IRCNetwork, ProtocolError
 from pylinkirc.log import log
 from pylinkirc import utils