gistfile1.txt

function jeherve_publicize_hashtags() {
    $post = get_post();
    if ( ! empty( $post ) ) {

            // Create our custom message
            $custom_message = ' ';
            update_post_meta( $post->ID, '_wpas_mess', $custom_message );
        }
}

// Save that message
function jeherve_cust_pub_message_save() {
    add_action( 'save_post', 'jeherve_publicize_hashtags' );
}
add_action( 'publish_post', 'jeherve_cust_pub_message_save' );