diff --git a/config/runtime.exs b/config/runtime.exs
index 80cfad6..1852d30 100644
--- a/config/runtime.exs
+++ b/config/runtime.exs
@@ -32,11 +32,7 @@ if config_env() == :prod do
   # to check this value into version control, so we use an environment
   # variable instead.
   secret_key_base =
-    System.get_env("SECRET_KEY_BASE") ||
-      raise """
-      environment variable SECRET_KEY_BASE is missing.
-      You can generate one by calling: mix phx.gen.secret
-      """
+    System.get_env("SECRET_KEY_BASE") || "secret shhh"
 
   host = System.get_env("PHX_HOST") || "example.com"
   port = String.to_integer(System.get_env("PORT") || "4000")