diff --git a/motd/tasks/deb_motd.yml b/motd/tasks/deb_motd.yml
index 72367a38..bb82a9aa 100644
--- a/motd/tasks/deb_motd.yml
+++ b/motd/tasks/deb_motd.yml
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 - block:
   - name: Install the packages that manage the dynamic motd file on debian based distributions
     apt: pkg={{ deb_motd_packages }} state=present update_cache=yes cache_valid_time=3600
-    register: motd_pkgs
 
   - name: Install our motd template file on debian based distributions
     template: src=motd.j2 dest=/etc/static-motd owner=root group=root mode=0644
@@ -11,7 +10,8 @@
     template: src=update_motd.j2 dest=/etc/update-motd.d/05-motd-message owner=root group=root mode=0755
 
   - name: Initialise the motd prompt on debian based distributions
-    command: run-parts --lsbsysinit /etc/update-motd.d > /run/motd.dynamic
-    when: motd_pkgs is changed
+    shell: run-parts --lsbsysinit /etc/update-motd.d > /run/motd.dynamic && touch /etc/.custom_motd
+    args:
+      creates: /etc/.custom_motd
   
   tags: motd