Yup, you read the title right. This Young House is going the way of the dodo and the dinosaur. And although it certainly wasn’t our idea (let’s just say lawyers were involved) it sure has added some excitement to our lives.
The good news is that we’re already whipping up lemonade from the sour lemons hurled in our general direction. We’ve got a brand-spanking-new name and URL, but the site remains exactly the same otherwise. So remember to visit younghouselove.com from this day forth (and to update you reader, bookmarks and even your blogroll if you link out to us).
Ok, so here’s the full scoop. On July 7th, as many of you know, we were busy celebrating our two year wedding anniversary. But on July 8th we got a nice little present in the form of a cease and desist letter from a prominent home improvement magazine/TV show which bears a few similarities to our old site’s name (you guys can figure it out, right?). Don’t they know the two year anniversary present is cotton, not paper? Anyway, they basically ordered that we immediately surrender the use of our old name and URL because they believed consumers were getting confused and may think that Young House Love was in some way related to their brand. Picture us scratching our heads. In almost two years of blogging under that moniker not one person has ever asked if we were related to that company.
That started a rollercoaster ride of emotions. First came fear and sadness – were we really going to get sued or be forced to hand over nearly two years of hard work? Then came confusion and anger – why was the same pub that contacted us last year to compliment our work and offer us a free magazine subscription suddenly sending lawyers after us? Not to mention the fact that our site and our logo looked nothing like theirs, our names were essentially opposites, our projects are on a completely different scale, and we’re clearly just two young people with a personal blog (not a corporation with deep pockets and an army of lifelong experts). But we eventually unclenched our fists and faced reality. Even though we completely disagreed with every single point they made, what two-person blog wants to go up against such an industry powerhouse? Can you just imagine that? In this corner we have a million dollar company. And in this corner… John, Sherry, and a feisty chihuahua. No thanks.
So after many hours spent huddling with an attorney, we decided the best way to move forward (and spare ourselves a potentially long and expensive legal battle) would be to turn the other cheek and change our name and URL. After all, just as the-magazine-that-shall-not-be-named doesn’t want to be accidentally associated with us, we certainly share that sentiment. Now more than ever.
And a funny thing happened after we made the decision to move on to bigger and better things. We got fired up. Not throw-something-I’m-mad fired up, but this-could-be-an-amazing-opportunity fired up. Then came the search for the perfect new name. We tossed out a few odd but applicable ones first (involving our infamous love of white paint, ceramic animals and charming chihuahuas) but we still felt like Youngsters at heart. So we decided to bridge the gap between our old name and the thing that our last URL had always been missing: the can’t-deny-it crush we have on our home. We secured our new website addy on Bluehost for $4 with a coupon (you know we like to sniff out a good deal) and our new blog baby: Young House Love was born. It instantly felt like a place we could call home, and we really like referencing the idea of falling in “house love” (that unmistakable puppy love that we all feel for the casa we’re tenderly fixing up).
And here we are less than a week later, welcoming you to our new virtual abode. We’re still unpacking a bit, so bear with us as we transition everything. We know it may take some time for you guys to get comfortable with our new name and URL, but just as our old blog was once our baby, this one is our “youngest child” which means we’re gonna coddle it and spoil our lovely readers even more than we did before. Weekly giveaways (starting back up tomorrow!), before & afters, step by step tutorials- we’ll serve it all up on a white lacquered platter.
In the order of housekeeping, we would also love to remind you to change your bookmarks, Google Reader (click that link or add “www.younghouselove.com/feed” to find the right feed), and even your blogroll and the outgoing links (old and new) on your blog if you’ve linked over to us (links to specific posts can easily be redirected to the right place by replacing “thisyounghouse” with “younghouselove” in the URL and leaving the rest of the address as-is). Now that we’re legally bound to go by Young House Love from this day forward, replacing those old links and switching any old copy that says “This Young House” to “Young House Love” will really help our new blog grow and prosper (and make our day to boot).
Plus, if you’ve been following us on Twitter or Facebook (btw, we had lots of fun reading everyone’s guesses about our big news all weekend) please take a moment to switch over to our new Young House Love Twitter and Young House Love Facebook pages. They’re a little bare at the moment, but rest assured they’ll be the only place for bonus content and what-we’re-doing details from this point forward. Our old accounts will just turn into periodic annoying reminders to make the move so it’s best to abandon ship and jump aboard our new ones asap (note: please unfollow or unfan the old YHL pages after your switch to help us clean ’em out).
Oh and of course, we’d be forever grateful it you’d tell your friends / family / blog readers / coworkers / dog / gourd lamp about our new address. We would hate to lose a single one of you in the switch. We even made a handy little 120 x 120 button for any fellow bloggers out there who wouldn’t mind adding it to their sidebar with a link back to younghouselove.com (click HERE to grab it), which will really make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Thanks so much for your support. You guys put the love in Young House Love, so smooches all around.
Chelsea says
Just glad your still here! Who says the small guy cant win?Can our next suprise be a baby?
KSColeman says
Well I am utterly and completely pissed for you and know this is completely out of that other publications jealousy. I just cannot fathom that the big boys think they should do this to you and your site… That’s it, I have no love left for them… Good luck John and Sherry, whatever you do, no matter the name, I know will be great…
Kelly Coleman
Lauren says
Those jerks! Oh well.. now you can just be better! I also really enjoyed the picture of Burger!!
kathleen says
Ahhh Youngsters I am so sorry this happened to you!! I was so afraid after your last tweet that you were closing the blog entirely! Although the last name was great and fitting, I think all of us readers will be here no matter what you call this place!
Kayla says
Jerks! But I like the new name.
And love the pic of Burger!
Kara says
I think I speak for all of us… I’m pretty sure that you won’t lose a single one of us in this transition. And we’re so excited for your renewed energy with the new name/URL! Can’t wait to see how you keep the ‘flame alive’!!
Jamie says
Bum deal. Way to be the bigger people and move on.
Ally says
That’s so totally ridiculous but I’m really proud of you two for coming out bigger and better. I’m excited to see what’s in store!
Lauren says
Glad you two were able to roll with the punches! I hope you weren’t too stressed by all of this! I know I’d be freaking out. What horrible timing too…just after your anniversary…shame on them!
OMG-YHL says
(I had to change my name from “OMG-TYH” to “OMG-YHL”! Haha)
Well, congrats! Can’t wait to see the “new and improved” site! So far it looks the same, but I’m sure you guys have some fun tricks up your sleeves!
And can someone give me a hint as to what corporation (magazine, was it?) sued you guys? I’m totally oblivious.
Sherry says
The entity-that-shall-not-be-named always struck me as stodgy dull boring 70’s type construction stuff anyway. See you on the new blog!
Ohmygoshi says
oh man! such drama!!! glad you guys are still sticking around though! I was genuinely worried for a hot second! My feeds have already been updated! :)
Elaine says
Sounds like some big-bad publication got a lil jealous of your blog!! :-)
Angela says
Wow! When I heard you changed your name it crossed my mind if it was due to a home improvement magazine/TV show which bared similarities to your old name. I didn’t think it would be true.
I remember watching that home improvement show with my father on the weekends. It is definitely more popular with those from a past generation and they should be trying to find ways to get the attention of the current generation. I wonder if they realize they just lost fans.
I’m sorry this happened to you but I’m sure you will come out of it even stronger in the long run. Good luck Young House Love!
Lindsay says
What a bummer you guys had to change the site! Found you a couple of months ago and I’m following you hook, line, and sink-er to the new site!
Emily says
Oooh, somehow I think this is going to negatively affect the “nameless” company more than you guys. David vs Goliath, ya know? I probably would have made the fight – unsuccessfully – so I admire your gusto for going forward and making lemonade!
Jen Z. says
That is so sad that they felft the need to do that after 2 years of blogging under the name, but who cares now. You will go on to be bigger and better with the new name. {clapping}. I’ve already told my friends over on the board I hang out on. Check out my link. Love you guys no matter what name you are using. Can’t wait to see what new stuff you have going on. Lots of luck Sherry & John!!!
Dana Miller says
Old people stink. You guys, on the other hand, are so fresh. Love your attitude! Everything happens for a reason!
Shannon says
You know, I really love the new name! Here is my (silly) question. I am reading it with the emphasis on love: Young House LOVE. How did you guys envision it? Young HOUSE love? YOUNG house love?
Sorry you had to deal with this, but awesome job on bouncing right back!
younghouselove says
Hey Shannon,
Ooh, good question about the pronunciation. The way we’ve been saying it is HOUSELOVE as if it’s all one word, so I guess that takes the emphasis off the young so it’s more like young HOUSE LOVE. So funny. Maybe we need to do a video and say it a few times for all to hear! Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Carrie says
Grrrrr…I just wrote TOH a letter to complain. I hate bullies.
Good luck with the name name – it’ll be great.
Carrie
The Tiny Homestead says
I love your new name (even better than your old name to be honest)! Looking forward to more posts no matter what the name is. :)
kaush says
OMG thats so mean of them! Just goes to show that they were jealous of you guys and basically insecure! Young House Love is sure to get a lot of love from me and I am sure from all your TYH readers as well! Good luck with the transition. Already updated my Google reader!!
Kelly says
what jerks! i’m glad to hear you decided to stick it out and in true YHL fashion, make the most of it =) you guys are a trip and an inspiration to homeowners everywhere. off to change my bookmarks~!
Carrie says
I meant “new name” of course.
Jennifer says
Seriously almost had a stroke when I read the title of this post. I’m so glad you aren’t leaving completely! I love your blog!
Jen says
That’s so funny because even though I know of that brand and have watched the show/read the magazine, I completely never even noticed a similarity in titles. YOu are so night and day different–in a good way–that you should definitely feel proud that they were threatened by you. Maybe this will bring you extra publicity that you definitely deserve!!!?!!!
Lori H says
I am looking forward to seeing what you Youngsters come up with next. You must be a success if the “big boys” felt threatened. I’m just glad that we can keep following this awesome blog, whatever it’s called! Good luck on the exciting twist in your plans!
Denise says
You guys are unstoppable! Your readers will find your site under the new name and brand (love it, by the way).
Keep up the positive attitude – your future is full of new horizons. This is just a minor bump in the road.
Paula says
I’m super sorry you guys were met with that from the other company. I gotta say, this sours me on that program…
You should be proud of your resolve to move on from it, and move on up. Good luck, Youngsters!
jbhat says
Long live Young House Love! Guess those “old” fuddy-duddies had nothing better to do. Lame for them, bully for you!
xo
Nikki says
Your website is so great, that your followers will not mind the name switch at all. It truly is my very favorite design site in the world and I already changed my links. I only hope that all your old posts will still be available, and it seems like they will, so I’m happy!
Meggan says
Oh crazy! I totally did not guess this! (My guess was that you two were having a baby. Am still waiting/hoping for this announcement in the future.)
Well, weird. I’m glad you have a snazzy new name that keeps with the same theme and feel as the old one, and that you don’t seem TOO bitter about it being (legally! scarily!) taken away from you. I’ll update my link to you ASAP.
Carrie says
How ridiculous! I’m so sorry that you all had to go through this (and during your anniversary week!), but I have to say that I’m thoroughly impressed by your sunny attitude. I’m a bigger fan than ever! Keep up the great work!
Kelly says
“…they basically ordered that we immediately surrender the use of our old name and URL because they believed consumers were getting confused…”
Yes, and we consumers love being thought of as so simple that we can’t understand the difference. *eyeroll* That’s too bad. End result: I now think less of them and more of you. Look forward to your continuation.
Sara says
Way to take the high road, Youngsters! You have proven yourselves to be as classy as we already knew you were. :) My feeds are updated, and I’m excited to continue following along.
LINDZ says
WOW!! I got scared when I first opened this that you were leaving forever!!! I’m so glad that’s not the case. I am irritated that this has happened only for you two. On the other hand kudos to you both for embracing this as a positive and keeping those chins and even whiskers and cold wet nose up and moving forward! I will continue to read and drop in several times daily. Congrats on a new chapter!
Cheers!
Christen says
Sorry that whole situation happened to you guys!! I love that ya’ll are being so positive and also love the new name! :)
LOVE some Young House Love!
Lauren says
That is so ridiculous! I am boycotting them. You guys are more entertaining anyway.
Ruth Williams says
Love your blog (I put curtains up in my living room for the first time since we moved in 10 yrs ago thanks to you!) Love your house and actually love the new name…
PS. I never cared for “those of whom we shall not speak…” this will only further my dislike…
Cindy says
Good for you for not letting them get you down! Onward and upward! Very best wishes!
Jacquelyn Stoess Hack says
Glad to hear you’re making lemonade out of this lemon.
Can’t wait to watch the new site grow!
And in the words of John and Sherry, “This URL is primed for a makeover.”
Jessica Lynn says
yay! an exciting change with only good things to come!
juco says
When I first read the post, I was afraid you were ending the blog all together! So glad that’s not the case. Sorry this happened to you guys, but I’m glad that you were able to turn this crummy situation into a way to reinvent yourselves. I’m looking forward to many more years of home improvement inspiration. Best of luck!
Meredi says
Well kudos to you guys for handling it with such style and grace!
I’ve never understood why companies can’t seem to wrap their heads around the idea that there IS such a thing as bad press, and this is a great example of it!
Sarah says
Ha…come to think of it, the entity-that-shall-not-be-named may have made a better decision if they had chosen to let you run their entity. What with your bright, young, growing demographic and all.
But this just proves what lovely, fantastic, charming, fun awesome people you are. Way to be the bigger people. Give it a couple years and we will see who has the bigger entity then, shall we??
Tiki says
Burger looked so pissed in his picture! lol.
SO LAME of that “prominent home improvement magazine/TV show which bears a few similarities to your old site’s name”!
It’s so funny, nothing about you guys or your site resembles “that” show whatsoever, that I never even put the similarities of the name together. In fact, whenever “that” show comes on, I tell my husband to change it because I don’t like watching it. Now I have more reason not to. Anyways, lovin’ the new name!
LauraC says
I am SO, SO, SO sorry for you! What a horrible surprise waiting for you! Ugh! You guys are too great though, and have faithful readers/fans/etc, so don’t you worry. All your old content will be archived and still available, right? It’s so good for new readers; I spent a month going through and reading your entire archive + comments after I found your site. I’d hate for others to miss out on that, and of course, I still go back and check some old/favorite posts now and then and hope I can still do that. I will always think of you when I see the initials TYH, though!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, all the same content that we’ve always had is still here at our new address (comments, old posts, old videos, etc)- and there’s lots more to come! Nothing like a kick in the pants like this to make us even more obsessed with serving up a bigger and better site for our lovely readers. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE KIND WORDS EVERYONE! We might just smile all night in our sleep.
xo,
s (& j)
ronda w says
I too hope the next surprise is a little youngster!!! But I am so happy to see you are not gone.
Lisa says
THIS, my friend, is how you know you are a success! Congratulations — you are a threat to the big guns!!
Re:Fresh Design Studio says
Way to be positive guys! You were the first blog I fell in love with and you will always be my fave, regardless of the name! I’m off to make the updates on my blog and reader and to show some love for YHL!!