diff --git a/r2/r2/models/link.py b/r2/r2/models/link.py
index ca628cd9f..0b9989b43 100644
--- a/r2/r2/models/link.py
+++ b/r2/r2/models/link.py
@@ -243,7 +243,8 @@ class Link(Thing, Printable):
 
             item.domain = (domain(item.url) if not item.is_self
                           else 'self.' + item.subreddit.name)
-            item.top_link = False
+            if not hasattr(item,'top_link'):
+                item.top_link = False
             item.urlprefix = ''
             item.saved = bool(saved.get((user, item, 'save')))
             item.hidden = bool(hidden.get((user, item, 'hide')))