diff --git a/planetstack/core/models/plcorebase.py b/planetstack/core/models/plcorebase.py
index 590e240..9838d7f 100644
--- a/planetstack/core/models/plcorebase.py
+++ b/planetstack/core/models/plcorebase.py
@@ -38,6 +38,13 @@
     def get_field_diff(self, field_name):
         return self.diff.get(field_name, None)
 
+    def can_update(self, user):
+        if user.is_readonly:
+            return False
+        if user.is_admin:
+            return True
+        return False
+
     def delete(self, *args, **kwds):
         # so we have something to give the observer
         pk = self.pk
@@ -59,6 +66,10 @@
 
         self.__initial = self._dict
 
+    def save_by_user(self, user, *args, **kwds):
+        if self.can_update(user):
+            self.save(*args, **kwds)
+
     @property
     def _dict(self):
         return model_to_dict(self, fields=[field.name for field in