diff --git a/plugins/spectate/spectate.cpp b/plugins/spectate/spectate.cpp
index f6a5ad8af..73574c136 100644
--- a/plugins/spectate/spectate.cpp
+++ b/plugins/spectate/spectate.cpp
@@ -392,8 +392,10 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_shutdown (color_ostream &out) {
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_load_data (color_ostream &out) {
     SP::LoadSettings();
-    SP::following_dwarf = SP::FollowADwarf();
-    SP::PrintStatus(out);
+    if (enabled) {
+        SP::following_dwarf = SP::FollowADwarf();
+        SP::PrintStatus(out);
+    }
     return DFHack::CR_OK;
 }