diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 2764a1c..831878c 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -155,14 +155,14 @@ basic_protect.protect_new = function(p,name)
 	if skyblock and skyblock.players and skyblock.get_island_pos then
 		local skyid = skyblock.players[name].id;
 		local skypos = skyblock.get_island_pos(skyid);
-		local dist = math.max(math.abs(p.x-skypos.x),math.abs(p.y-skypos.y),math.abs(p.z-skypos.z));
-		if dist>skyblock.islands_gap then
+		local dist = math.max(math.abs(p.x-skypos.x),math.abs(p.z-skypos.z));
+		if dist>skyblock.islands_gap then 
 			local privs = minetest.get_player_privs(name);
 			if not privs.kick then 
 				local meta = minetest.get_meta(skypos);
 				local mstring = meta:get_string("infotext");
 				if string.find(mstring,"ISLAND") then -- tried to protect other island
-					minetest.chat_send_player(name, "#PROTECTOR: you can only protect empty space or your island")
+					minetest.chat_send_player(name, "#PROTECTOR: you can only protect empty space or your island or above it")
 					minetest.set_node(p,{name = "air"}) -- clear protector
 					return
 				end