In CGI.pm versions 2.63 and above, you should be able to check the defined() of what is returned; if the keyword is there but no value, you'll get an empty, but defined string. EG:

my $value = defined( $cgi->param( 'text' ) ) ? 
                     $cgi->param( 'text' ) : '';
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Dr. Michael K. Neylon - mneylon-pm@masemware.com || "You've left the lens cap of your mind on again, Pinky" - The Brain