diff --git a/requestbackport b/requestbackport
index 1ad21b0..0ddf2b0 100755
--- a/requestbackport
+++ b/requestbackport
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ def request_backport(package_spph, source, destinations):
              "",
              "Reason for the backport:",
              "========================",
-             "<<< Enter your reasoning here >>>",
+             ">>> Enter your reasoning here <<<",
              "",
              "Testing:",
              "========",
diff --git a/ubuntutools/question.py b/ubuntutools/question.py
index 60c8f13..ccfac5a 100644
--- a/ubuntutools/question.py
+++ b/ubuntutools/question.py
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ class EditFile(object):
         self.filename = filename
         self.description = description
         if placeholders is None:
-            placeholders = (re.compile(r'^<<<.*>>>$', re.UNICODE),)
+            placeholders = (re.compile(r'^>>>.*<<<$', re.UNICODE),)
         self.placeholders = placeholders
 
     def edit(self, optional=False):