diff --git a/local_config.py.skel b/local_config.py.skel
index 4a3edff..a1f3e2d 100644
--- a/local_config.py.skel
+++ b/local_config.py.skel
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/python
 
+import time
+
 if '__main__' == __name__:
 	print '''this is a config file, which is not meant to be executed'''
 	exit(-1)
@@ -13,6 +15,8 @@ config['bot_owner'] = 'FIXME'
 config['hist_max_count'] = 5
 config['hist_max_time'] = 10 * 60
 
+config['uptime'] = -time.time()
+
 # the "dice" feature will use more efficient random data (0) for given users
 config['enhanced-random-user'] = ( 'FIXME', 'FIXME' )
 
diff --git a/plugins.py b/plugins.py
index 349b364..1207d5b 100644
--- a/plugins.py
+++ b/plugins.py
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ def command_uptime(args):
 		}
 
 	if 'uptime' in args['data']:
-		u = int(uptime + time.time())
+		u = int(conf('uptime') + time.time())
 		plural_uptime = 's'
 		plural_request = 's'
 
diff --git a/urlbot.py b/urlbot.py
index 3a1c579..01fad42 100755
--- a/urlbot.py
+++ b/urlbot.py
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ fifo_path = os.path.join(basedir, 'cmdfifo')
 # rate limiting to 5 messages per 10 minutes
 hist_ts = []
 hist_flag = True
-uptime = -time.time()
 request_counter = 0
 
 parser = None
@@ -240,6 +239,7 @@ plugins.logger = logger
 plugins.ratelimit_exceeded = ratelimit_exceeded
 plugins.ratelimit_touch = ratelimit_touch
 plugins.random = random
+plugins.time = time
 
 plugins.register_all()