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.
Abby & Tony says
Both my husband and I are huge fans (he is probably one of the few male readers, and we are probably also some of the few who didn’t think the announcement was a baby!). Our reaction to the news was complete disbelief.. why after two years would this happen (and on your anniversary week, no less)? But, we are so completely glad that you two came out on top of this, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.
Mommy Firecracker says
No wonder I quit watching that show years ago.
Good for you for turning the other cheek–and cheers to you for showing them how to be gracious.
Tee says
I am so sorry to hear that you guys had to deal with that. Just goes to show how great you are!!…other wise they might not care lol You’re new name is great and now you can move on to bigger and better things!
Julie says
That’s so lame. Props to you for taking this all in stride! Keep up the great work.
carrie @ brick city love says
That sucks! Change is sometimes inevitable though. Glad you’re not leaving. I’ll be sure to update the copy in my blog’s sidebar.
PS – You’re blog name is now similar to ours. Don’t worry, I would never sue. :)
Marie says
I would follow your blog no matter what the name is. I will never purchase that other nameless mag ever, shame on them
Bekka says
WOW! Unbelievable!! >:( I hate that big companies, organizations, or what-have-you feel that they can just push people around like this!
But good for you guys – taking lemons and making lemonade! I’ve been following your blog for several months now, and I’ve just updated my Bookmarks! :)
Jeannine says
Great attitude about such an unpleasant situation!
Now, spend a couple hundred dollars to protect this name. Get yourself a service or trade mark.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Christie (& Jeannine)
We’re already in the process of legally protecting Young House Love as our new LLC, so it’ll be officially “claimed” by us and copyrighted to boot. Unfortunately anyone can sue (or threaten to sue) anyone else on this good green earth- even if that person or company already has an LLC, a trademark, or a copyright) since they can just call it “trademark or copyright infringement” and make you go to court to defend yourself. We used This Young House for over two years, named it as our small business on our taxes and even had a commonlaw copyright on the name but alas, the big guys can still send any letters they’d like and leave people like us shaking in our blogging boots.
xo,
Sherry
Debra says
Hi guys, sorry about the name change, but I love the new name. Did you know you were in the San Francisco Chronicle home section today with a picture of your newly striped bathroom? I stopped watching that show years ago and I buy tons of decorating mags, but I don’t like that one, so there!!! Anyway you both sound so excited about the new name so I know it will be great.
Darla says
I found your blog last week and I am HOOKED (which means I have been neglecting my life and reading your blog instead). I can’t believe those other people sent their lawyers. I am sure the change will only bring good things to you two because you are a class act! Keep the good stuff coming!!
Jen says
I cant believe such a large brand would be intimidated by a blog run by 2 people (and one feisty pup)! But I suppose you know youve made it when a show thats been around since 1979 gets their panties in a bunch over a few words.
Though I have to say, shame on TOH! I will be writing a complaint letter.
Theres plenty of room in this world for everyone to be successful – what TOH did seems so greedy and underhanded! ugh.
Becks says
Well, it sucks but you guys really know how to keep your chin up and will no doubt be even more awesome! You are an inspiration and as a newlywed looking to buy our first home, you truly are a blog we read faithfully everyday. Thanks for all the great pics, ideas, inspiration and joy!
Amanda says
I love the new name and appreciate all the hard work that must have gone into converting to ‘Young House Love’.
FYI- Under the Leave a comment section it still says “This Young House reserves the right to remove any comment that we deem snarky, malicious or otherwise inappropriate.”
Just wanted to let you know so Burger doesn’t have to chase any more lawyers!
Kate Coveny Hood says
If anyone would like code for that button – I just created it in photobucket (just remove the space after the first carrot and before the last one- I had to put those in so this would show up):
< a href="https://www.younghouselove.com/" rel="nofollow">
Sarah says
Wow, that was a big announcement! It’s not what I would have guessed :D Being a small business owner with my hubby we know what it’s like to run into kinks along the way. Keep up the great work, I love the name! Thanks for helping me fall in love with my 109 year old house (I used to despise it!).
Jeanine says
Ha. I would (eventually) feel so honored that they were so threatened. You are big news! :)
I, too, will follow whatever the name. Good job.
MaryB says
Oh, y’all — this is an adorable post! I think you did a great job of dealing with this!
And, you know … it’s pretty darned flattering that they were worried! :-)
Sarah B. says
I am sorry you two had to deal with this mumbo-jumbo from a pretty well-respected company (not very well-respected to me anymore!). I was just thinking the other day that your former blog name was quite similar, but really not truthful of your house. Relatively speaking, your house is not young by any means. 53 is middle-aged. Maybe a better name would be “This Middle-Aged House?” No? Oh, well! Thought I’d try. Regardless of what name you choose (I do happen to like “Young House Love,” BTW). Hope your week is happy!
Jo says
Well done to move onward and upward. I have seen that other tv show, they should consider it a compliment that people might get the two confused. And they obviously don’t give us any credit for being able to diferentiate between the two. So different, worlds apart.
Rebekah says
Wonderful job turing lemons into lemon bars. Hm…yum! Oops, back on topic…You took it all in stride and have come out ahead for sure! It looks like young people handled this more maturely than the the “old” people. Props to you for turning the other cheek.
Amy says
Wow, you would think “they” would like their readers thinking that you guys are part of their company… that would mean they would actually have readers.
Glad you are taking the high road though. I’ve just updated all my links to the new name!
Annapolitan says
Y’know, it didn’t occur to me until reading this post that your former blog name might be a play on That Other Name. Geesh, I haven’t watched *that* show for a decade! They’re soooo last century!
I’m so annoyed for you and yet I understand why you’ve made the decision you have. All I can say is, you’re handling this with incredible grace and humor and CLASS with a capital C.
Those jerks from TOH can go jump in the lake. Bullies!
I love your new name and look forward to following you no matter how many times you change your name. ;-) Sorry you two, I’m a die-hard fan and you’re stuck with me until you file a restraining order!
Heather says
Hmm.. well I guess I’ll be saving some money this year as there is now *AHEM* one magazine subscription I won’t be renewing.
Jill says
Like everyone else, I find this completely ridiculous!!! They didn’t get to claim your old content did they? Anyway, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the new name. It is so perfect! I am very proud that you guys took the higher road, though I know I would be tempted to throw a tantrum and act like a 2-year old. But seriously, you guys should look at this as a very pain-in-the-ass form of jealousy. I am proud to be a Young House Love reader!!! You have inspired me and given me the confidence to take on my own home improvement projects (I will send pictures when I finish!) like no magazine publication, website, or show has EVER done.
Candace says
Wow, that is absolutely ridiculous that they made such a big deal about your name. It is flattering for you on one hand, but what an embarrassment it is for them. But way to turn a bad situation into an awesome one. You know what they say about change and how it makes you stronger…
Congrats on the new name – I love it. I honestly didn’t even notice it had changed in my Google Reader. :)
Amanda says
I definitely joined the ranks of those who sent hate email to those-who-shall-not-be-named. I also called and canceled my subscription tonight, and when they asked why I wanted to cancel early, I cited a certain little blog and their nasty treatment of them.
Did I mention I sent the email to an internal department address so they are guaranteed to receive it :-)?
suzanne says
I think this speaks volumes for what you two have created! You could take this as flattery. I mean, if you weren’t so hot and up and coming, they wouldn’t be intimidated!
I love your new name…congratulations and wishing you all the best for the future!
Joal Hall Broun says
I check your blog at least once a week for ideas for my budget decorating of my home. Kudos for making lemonade out of lemon. One day that nameless magazine will come to you for advice.
pawpaw says
I’m a fairly new reader (first time commenter) but just wanted to also chime in and say that I don’t know how anyone could mix you up with the other site/mag. It’s so daggy looking! You guys rock!
rachel says
good decision- sorry you were forced to do it, but so much better to leave the legal wrangling & stress behind & move on! we’ll all keep reading & loving your house right along with you… : )
Lindsey says
John & Sherry:
So sorry that you guys got such a nasty anniversary gift!
My buttons, blogroll, reader and twitter are all pointed in the new direction now. I agree with other readers that you’d think that the not-to-be-named company would be excited to be confused with a site that caters to young, hip and eager diy-ers, decorators, renovators, shoppers and readers! Now I am afraid they’ve widened the gap of your readers becoming theirs! I know you guys will rock the new name + addy!
Congrats on your new “home!”
{ Lindsey }
http://greatfullday.blogspot.com
april says
Wow. Desperate is not a good color on them. :) completely lame, but you’re handling with grace and class. Cheers to the next chapter – and lots of young house love.
Christie Stearns says
OK, I already told you my opinion on the FB page. But man, “that company” sure lost a lot of fans today. You are handling it so well!!
A) You KNOW you have to tell us where you got those cards, or if you made them, how?! I love the rounded corners, and they look printed… so cute, please share!
B) Also, LOVE your expressions in the photos!! The ‘so last year’ one made Ian and I laugh.
C) Burger looks truly vicious with his caption ;)
D)I love the button you made, and it is going on both my blogs right NOW!
E) We have to know… what’s a gourd lamp?!?! We can’t tell it, if we don’t know what it is.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Christie,
You know we’re all about DIYing something for $0.00 so it should come as no surprise that those cards that we’re holding are nothing more than the blank white back of an oversized birthday card John got as a joke with some photoshopped stuff on ’em. We definitely could have had ’em made through our favorite printing company (the locals who professionally print all of our shop merchandise for us) but we opted not to spend the moolah and to just put those drawings and titles on in photoshop.
Oh and thanks so much for adding the button to your blog! We can’t thank everyone enough for relinking and sending people over to our new home! As for the gourd lamp question, it’s just a big bulbous based-lamp shaped like…well, a gourd (like the one in our guest bedroom that we snagged from Target a while back)… this post should explain it: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/01/oh-my-gourd/
Hope it helps! Thanks again to everyone for their amazing encouragement and excitement for the future of Young House Love!
xo,
Sherry & John (& vicious Burger too)
YoungHouseLove says
WOW, the outpouring of support is seriously knocking us over. YOUNG HOUSE LOVE READERS ARE THE BEST DARN READERS IN THE WORLD!
xoxoxoxo,
John and Sherry
Anika says
That’s too bad, I really liked the old name and definitely did not mistake it for that old tv show. I guess they must be jealous that you’re hip and popular and they’re not. Keep up the fantastic inspiration!
Kellie says
Bookmarks updated, Facebook updated. I’m ready to roll.
The nameless ones can put me on the list of lost customers. So HAH!
yansy says
I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t understand why they would wait two years to do this. Your readers are not going anywhere. You guys will always be my first stop for design inspiration.
BD says
Maybe this is too snarky for you guys, who are handling this with true grace. But for what it’s worth, I just sent the magazine editors this email. I love you guys and cannot understand why Old established companies just so completely fail…to…get…it!
Hello,
I do not watch . I do not subscribe to ______. I have heard of your TV show, but I have never confused your company or brands with the Petersik blog formerly hosted at http://www.thisyounghouse.com. I am, however, very disappointed in your decision to send your lawyers after the Petersiks and order them to stop using their thisyounghouse.com domain.
Why you ever felt that consumers would be confused about your two companies is beyond me. Clearly, one of you is Old, established, jealous, and litigious, while the other is not. You have damaged your brand by this action and I urge you to re-examine your legal department’s policies or your relationship with the outsourced law firm(s) you used for this action.
Sincerely,
Me
Emily.t says
I will follow you…Follow you wherever you may go…=)
Nancy says
Ahhhh…a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, as Billy Shakespeare once said.. No matter what it’s called, your site will still be fun to read.
And just to play devil’s advocate…. all it takes is one paranoid, small minded person somewhere up the corporate ladder to cause trouble, the rest of that group probably could care less..
Susan S. says
Wow, I didn’t know that ‘you-know-what’ was still around! But it’s a pretty rotten deal. Yeah the names are alike but you’d think it would have to be closer like ‘Our Old House’ or “Old House Was’!
Don’t let the big scary mega-corp get’cha down!
Tamstyles says
“OH NO THEY DIIIIIDNT” in my finger waving voice! If they were smart they would have hoped their readers/viewers were thinking you guys were associated with them….GLAD you told them to KICK ROCKS! Now lets go YOUNG HOUSE LOVE!
Meghan says
I just found your blog and I love everything about it, so I got worried when I read your title. Then I went on a little google spree to try to figure out what the magazine in question was, and it was pretty difficult. So as one clueless customer, I have to say I think they were silly. But you guys are awesome. Keep up the good work!
Trish says
Not being in the US, I don’t know which mag has done this STOOPID STOOPID STOOPID thing, but don’t they realise the power of the people? Do they realise how many sales they’re going to lose? Ah, phooey! Not to worry, you kids are so very positive they come out the losers.
Camilla says
Wow, some corporations really are dumb. Kudos to you guys for not keeling over and giving in.
hermineh says
How rude! I also sent them a complaint letter. I’m glad you guys are taking the high road. Good for you! I’m excited about all the new features :]
Blair says
Truth be told, as a long-time reader, I’ve been wondering when “the man” would try to catch you on the former name. I’m extremely glad, though, that you two took it in stride and are continuing down the same clean, crisp, contemporary, DIY path! (Now let’s just hope I remember to keep looking at YHL and not TYH!)
j.fudo says
My question is this – How much do they own? Anything with the words ‘this’ or ‘old’ or ‘house’ in it? or any combination there of. Or their opposites?? If they truly wanted to own the name that you had wouldn’t they have trademarked it or reserved the domain? It seems that they were flexing muscles that they didn’t have. Too bad they needed to be bullies. You have a beautiful blog and do a fantastic job chronicling your projects.
Best of luck to you on your ‘new’ adventure.
Ansel Olson says
Yeah that unnamed mag is so last decade. And your new name is a winner. Cheers to you for staying positive and plowing ahead.
Amanda says
I just about had a heat attack when I read the post title! Phew!
You guys seem to have handled it very graciously. I’m sure we can all appreciate the hard work it must have taken to make the changeover so smooth for us readers. I love the new identity (I’m a graphic designer, it’s what counts for me :P) and the name is fabulous. Great to see you spinning the situation into a positive fresh blog makeover. Can’t wait to see how it all continues from here. Congratulations!
jessica says
You all really have impressed me (even more) about the way you handled this…so gracious. My husband wondered why this big bad corporation wouldn’t sponsor you in the first place?