diff --git a/MP2/peer.py b/MP2/peer.py
index 859237e..00af6d9 100644
--- a/MP2/peer.py
+++ b/MP2/peer.py
@@ -38,16 +38,14 @@ def worker_1():
             "type": "JOIN",
             "sender_id": SELF_ID
         }
+        time.sleep(5) #just so the introducer has time to start the socket
         server_socket.sendto(json.dumps(join_payload).encode('utf-8'), (INTRODUCER_IP, SERVER_PORT))
     
     while not stop_event.is_set():
         try:
             data, addr = server_socket.recvfrom(65535) 
             
-            try:
-                msg = json.loads(data.decode('utf-8'))
-            except json.JSONDecodeError:
-                continue
+            msg = json.loads(data.decode('utf-8'))
                 
             msg_type = msg.get("type")
             print(f"Processing message type={msg_type} from {addr}")
@@ -75,7 +73,7 @@ def worker_1():
                         
                 print(f"New member joined: {join_id}")
                 
-                # Send the initial state directly to the joining node
+                # Send the initial state directly to the joining node - decreases the overhead of having that init state propogate through the cluster
                 reply_payload = {
                     "type": "GOSSIP",
                     "sender_id": SELF_ID,