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.
heather s. says
I love you guys but I do have to admit that I’m surprised people never noticed the similar names. When I first stumbled upon your blog over a year ago I immediately thought of the “old” version. In fact, I figured you just played off that name. Of course your sites are nothing alike and I think getting some (good) publicity would be good for that show since as others mentioned it really is for the older generation.
Good luck with the change!
Kelly W. says
Just started reading a few weeks ago and love your blog! Sorry about the drama..but way to take this opportunity to “kick it up a notch”!!
Kelly in SC
Barbara says
Nothing spells success like being contacted by lawyers. It seems like a silly move on their part because they would have gained much more by bringing you into their organization to appeal to the large segment of the population that can’t afford their upscale offerings.
Your reaction and solution is to be admired.
Bonnie Bell says
I love your positive attitudes about this whole thing. What good examples you are of taking the high road.
Terry G says
On to bigger and better things. I am so glad you handled it the way you did. What you put out comes back to you.Good for you!I am changing my bookmark immediately.
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
I am just shocked and appalled that this happened to you! I can’t believe they would go to such lengths to get you to change your name. So sorry you had to go through that. I’m impressed by how you’re making lemonade from those sour lemons, however. Congrats on the fabulous new name, and here’s to many years of success with it! :-)
Meredith says
Alas, you have truly arrived when the lawyers start to pay attention. I always wondered if the name was similar enough to get you all into trouble – guess I have my answer (sorry!) Kudos to you for turning lemons into lemonade. You guys are champs and I’m glad you are taking this in stride!
mary says
Awww . . . that stinks that you guys had to go through all that. Of course, with the new site you’ll be just as successful as ever. And that is the best revenge!
Becky says
Glad that you took the bad news standing up. I was so worried that your blog would be no more. We would all be very sad! I’ve got my reader and facebook updated. Keep the good stuff coming! =D
PS. Love the new name. It fits perfectly!
Cari says
I would follow you if you were called “this boring blog”! That stinks, especially after two years! I love the new name though!
Julie says
Ooooooooooo, that makes me so mad! Big corporation sticking it to the little guy! I’m glad you’re able to make the best of it, but it makes me loose all respect for that company which shall not be named here but will be hearing from me!
Melissa says
John and Sherry – so glad you are seeing the positive side of things. I have so enjoyed reading your blog ever since a friend of mine told me about it – and since then – I have shared the younghouselove joy with countless others. You guys will come out on top for sure – so keep on bloggin’ because you know we’ll keep reading!
Angela says
Congrats on the new blog…out with the “old” and in with the new! I commend you on how you handled the situation. With that being said….I’m sure I’m one of you “older” fans….(but I’m a young 43) and also a newlywed. My husband and I baught “our” first home together in Portland, Texas and we are also in love with it! Keep up the great work!
Ana says
Hello from Portugal!!! I really love to follow you guys, and the perspective of being without my daily visit to your home was not very pleasent! In the end, it turned out all right with such a good new name :D
Keep the good projects comming, because here in the other side of the ocean, we love to see them!!!
The Perfect Palette says
So sorry to hear that lawyers came after you on this. They should be embarrassed. Such a gracious way to handle it though. Love the new name. It’s simply a new chapter!
marlena says
so glad a little bit of drama couldn’t keep you guys down. sorry for the timing around yalls ann. that sucks but you showed those oldies whose boss. love the new name and cant wait for all the new additions to the site…excited!!! you guys are really an inspiration to new homeowners, newlyweds, and young designers. thanks guys
Allison says
I am continually impressed with you two. Even with this scary, infuriating news you have really made lemonade out of lemons. I’m super excited to see what Young House Love has in store and I’ll always be a huge fan of whatever you guys do! Lots and lots of love!!!!
Stacey says
I guess you got big enough to raise some eyebrows and be considered competition. Congrats. I’m so glad to know that you were able to get through this and will continue to offer your support to the decoratingly challenged with your plethora of decor knowledge. I don’t know what I would do without my daily YHL fix!
Bromeliad says
Lawyers.
Focipresley says
How desperate of them!
You guys rock!
I’m loving YHL!
I’m on my way over to the new sites! See you there!
Cheers, Bon
Morgan says
To the “unnamed company” who threatened to sue: I’m dropping my subscription, never watching another one of their shows or looking at their website.
Meanwhile, congratulations to you guys on a bigger, better name! I’m glad to see you guys took the trouble in stride and turned it in to an opportunity. Keep it up!
Jessica B. says
Wow, I am completely floored by the actions of that magazine/tv show-that-shall-not-be-named. I absolutely HATE it when big corporations try to flex their power muscles by dispatching a team of lawyers over something that shouldn’t even be an issue.
I always thought This Young House was a cute and clever play on words, and agree with you that no one with an IQ higher than a sea cucumber would ever confuse you guys with some stuffy, boring, 1980s design website. Ahem.
Anyway, the two of you handled it with grace, as expected. You absolutely came out on top on this one. Your readers will tune in no matter what you call the site. Best of luck with the transition – I’m sure it’s a lot of work.
dänika says
wow, that is so lame! I find it a little funny because, really, the other company’s show is one that I grew up watching – because my parents liked it. the show never featured anything that could be translated to our lives, though; it really catered to the wealthy (or, at least, much wealthier than us). SO last generation. :P
anyway, I’m so proud of you two (and burger!) for taking this in stride, and using it to become bigger and better! you have such a great attitude, and I’m even more excited to follow this new site; your projects and ideas inspire me so much!
Sevi says
Hurray to the benefits of Internet technologies, including being able to move on so fast to a new website in hours (I hope it didnt take that long :P) and letting anyone hear about it in a moment (remember the ol’days when a company had to change a phone/adress etc). This is the way you guys should handle things, as a young couple, and you did. I’m proud of ye!
Sevi, your probably newest reader!
Martha says
It’s too bad you had to spend even one penny on attorney’s fees! Talk about frivolous lawsuits!! I am a subscriber to THAT magazine and have enjoyed until now but I am re-thinking renewing. Congrats on the new site, I have changed my “favorites” and will continue to be a faithful follower.
Audrey says
Darn the man! I’m upset for you guys that the big man is trying to get you down, but congrats to you for turning this into a good thing for your business. Can’t wait to see what new things you guys have in store – good luck!
kctex says
Next time, call me. I’ll represent you for free! :-)
Tenille says
Happy to be on the new site! Keep up the good work!
tracy says
we love you and will follow your blog no matter What your name is. I agree, you’ve handled this beautifully. What an anniversary present tho.
Yvonne says
I’m sorry about the headache, but thanks so much for pushing forward. We are buying a new house in the spring and I have already seen so many good ideas here. The new site will be better than ever!
Krissy says
Good on you guys for staying positive and making the most of the situation! Love the new blog name, and I look forward to more awesomeness. :D
Jennae @ Green Your Decor says
I almost swallowed my tongue when I read the headline, but I’m glad to see that was a complete overreaction. I’m glad to see you guys are handling this with grace. It sucks that you have to turn over the URL simply because you’re being bullied and can’t afford to fight it, but based on the reaction from your readers, I’d say Young House Love is off to a brilliant, successful start :)
SSM says
Wow, I can’t believe it. I am surprised they were able to make you all change your name. Since you all basically run a small business with your design board and shop income, wouldn’t the name already be trademarked and on file with the state and IRS when you all do your taxes? How will this affect that stuff related to your business products?
Rebekah says
Eek! I was worried for a moment! But, the new name is great! I am disappointed that you guys were bullied, though, and I hope nothing like this will happen again. Did ANYONE guess that this was your big reveal? I know I sure didn’t.
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with next!!
Jen says
Congratulations on your new site! You have reached new heights when folks feel they have to threaten you…THEY could have stood to view this slightly differently and possibly gained themselves additional readership. Now THEY just look old and impotent.
Jennifer says
whew! That post title was a scary sight first thing in the morning, but it turned out to be good news in disguise. I’m excited for all the new advice and stories under the new blog title. A rose by any other name, right?
Beth says
I know I’m just repeating what everyone else has been saying, but your positive attitude about this whole ordeal is awesome. It would’ve been so easy to bash the company and complain endlessly, but you’re taking advantage of an opportunity, and I’m so encouraged by that! I have all of my links updated and I’m putting your new button on my blog tonight. Love the new look! You guys are great!
Alice says
I’m glad your blog is continuing. What’s in a name anyway? Looking forward to more younghouselove. Sending some oldapartmentlove from Belgium
Asiyah says
Oooooohhhh, that burns me up. I plan to send a nasty-gram to the evil empire.
Ah well, this is another redo for you two so enjoy. Love your blog and I’ll see you here.
Katie says
You’re so right — bigger and better things await! Who needs the old name? The new one is even better. Can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Ann says
Whatevah (rolls eyes…). You rock the house, no matter what the name.
Katie says
p.s. it is CLEAR to me why the unnamed publication all of the sudden has an issue — you’re wayyyy hotter and so well-loved that they’re green with you-know-what. I’m just sayin’…
Dorothy says
I’m so impressed that you guys took all that negativity and went in a positive direction with it (especially since reading your blog always makes me smile). And just think, you definitely got the better deal: $4 for a new addy versus goodness knows how much for all the legalese! Good luck with all the newness!
Diana says
No matter what your URL is, you guys are the best. Love you!
Amy says
Whew. I was worried there for a minute. Sorry you had to go through all of that stuff with “The Man” but you clearly have some great momentum going into Young House Love and I wish you all the best. I’ll do my part to spread the word with some link love.
Kay says
You guys have definately taken the high road. David has triumphed against Goliath once again. Many congrats!
Travis says
If I had a subscription to their magazine I would have just canceled it, but since I don’t I don’t have much leverage to protest their silly/idiotic actions! Oh well. I’m sure they will be hurt more by this than you.
I’m glad to see that you all handled it so well. Our society needs more people like you in it. That was very gracious of you. I pray that your family will be blessed by your actions and attitude.
Old TYH Fan / New YHL<3 Fan!
jennalou says
Wow… my heart stopped when reading the first paragraph. So glad your just making a change rather than going away for good.
Anne says
I LOVE your new name!! It’s just perfect… I snagged your button to add to my blog. Thanks for all your daily doses of inspiration!
Kara says
Call me stupid but I never even thought of that other site/corporation until today. Oh well – onward and upward. Looking forward to the new site and I will update my blog right now!