diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py b/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py
index 729d9cba..4e313723 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import operator
 import logging
 from uuid import uuid4
 import requests
-from requests.exceptions import HTTPError, SSLError
+from requests.exceptions import RequestException
 
 from Crypto.PublicKey import RSA
 from Crypto.Signature import pkcs1_15
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ class ActivitypubMixin:
     reverse_unfurl = False
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        """collect some info on model fields"""
+        """collect some info on model fields for later use"""
         self.image_fields = []
         self.many_to_many_fields = []
         self.simple_fields = []  # "simple"
@@ -503,7 +503,7 @@ def broadcast_task(sender_id, activity, recipients):
     for recipient in recipients:
         try:
             sign_and_send(sender, activity, recipient)
-        except (HTTPError, SSLError, requests.exceptions.ConnectionError):
+        except RequestException:
             pass