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.
Sarah says
Hi Sherry & John,
I wanted to take a quick minute to let you know how sorry I am to hear about TOH’s actions. Like many of your other readers, I too have sent them an email expressing how disappointed I am.
I wish you luck and success in building YoungHouseLove.com into an even better and more successful blog. I know that loosing use of your old domain can really hurt your search engine rankings and such. But I feel confident that your followers will buzz you up and get the word out for the better-than-ever YoungHouseLove.com
Kellye says
You guys are not only inspirations for home design, you are now role models on how to take the high road. Sorry for the stress you have been through the past week. But you have certainly risen to the challenge. I wish you even more success in this new adventure.
Laura says
Grrrr is right! How frustrating for you guys! I don’t understand why gigantic companies do this when there is no potential for competition (maybe there is now…watch out!) or confusion. I recently went wine tasting in Northern Virginia’s wineries and went to not one, but two wineries that were forced to change their names. First was the former Waterford vineyard–which is in Waterford, VA which was forced to change their name because of the crystal company. Now how are you going to confuse a small mom and pop winery with a crystal company? Wonder why they don’t go after the town name! The other winery was just down the way and had to change to the family name. It’s ridiculous how these companies pick on the little guy. Anyway, sympathies from me, but you guys will grow bigger and stronger because of this! LOVE the blog, and good luck with the new name!
Stacy says
How awful! My father and my father-in-law are both contractors, so my husband and I grew up watching THAT company’s show, and we’ve always been fans. However, I think their treatment of you is sickening, and I just wanted to share the e-mail I just sent them:
“To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to let your company know how disappointed I was to hear of recent legal action taken against John and Sherry Petersik of http://www.thisyounghouse.com. As a writer and photographer, I understand the importance of protecting your copyrights and intellectual property, but the actions you took against two people and their blog seem excessive and unnecessary. The couple in question was not claiming to be affiliated to you in any way, and there was plenty of difference in your names to avoid any confusion. If anything, you should have taken it as a compliment that such a talented couple chose to use a name that might have been inspired by your organization.
In my opinion, this kind of aggressive action by large corporations against small businesses is greedy and frankly, un-American. Where is the support for entrepreneurship? Where is the recognition for hard work and creativity? The fact that this couple was gaining popularity and beginning to earn a living from their site is a perfect example of the American Dream, and your actions are a perfect example of the greed and uncaring spirit that is destroying this country. You may think that some of their popularity came from the supposed affiliation with your name, but I guarantee that it did not. Their success is a product of their ingenuity and talent, not any supposed connection to your company. In fact, you would have probably done well to purchase ad space on their blog!
My husband and I just signed papers on a house that needs extensive remodeling, and I have been gathering resources (websites, blogs, books, magazines, television programs) to help us come up with ideas for our projects. I will continue to read the new and improved Young House Love daily, and I promise that I will never watch a program or read a publication affiliated with [Their Company] again.”
Props to you for the way y’all have handled the situation. Looking forward to seeing more from Young House Love!
Jackie says
Thank goodness! First thought – first Domino and now this – I’m coming down off the ledge now;)
Kara says
How sad that big businesses can bully people this way.
Kudos to you for looking at the bright side and not letting the man keep you down.
“They” have lost a viewer in me, due to their disgusting behavior.
Good luck to you!
Rebecca says
You guys are a class act. This Old House is just a grumpy old brand yelling “you kids get offa my lawn”, and they are going the way of the dodo, not you.
Thanks for inviting us to your new digs – can’t wait for the hosuewarming party. I’ll bring lemonade!
Kelly says
I also sent an email to TOH and received an auto reply saying that they do not have time to reply to all emails, blah blah blah. I have a feeling they won’t even read most of the emails they get from us but oh well, hopefully the sheer volume will get the point across!
Kudos to YoungHouseLove, the future is looking bright!!!
Kristin @ Domestic Ease says
Well, good riddance to the big, bad, biz! Rest assured “this young” generation will continue our allegiance to young house love and NOT to a certain bigger, “older” site…
(Just had to slide that in!)
But, really, congratulations guys…this is a great AWESOME move for you–and one that will lead to even greater blessings.
We love and support you!!
Hugs,
Kristin
P.S. Can we get a new button for younghouselove?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a link to a button for your sidebar. Thanks so much for asking!
As for where we got those signs Brandi, we just held up one of those prank giant birthday cards and photoshopped the titles onto it afterwards. Glad they were convincing!
xo,
s
Tara says
I did want to express to you guys how glad I am that you are sticking around. You have definitely taken the high road, and in the long run it will be better for your sanity, marriage, lives and happiness to not go through a long legal battle with a bunch of grumpy old men.
All your readers will still be here. But will all the readers of TOH still be around? I am pretty sure that’s a no.
Ashley says
I love your blog and your great new name!!
Antonio says
I love you guys’ blog-read it every day. I’m sorry you had to go through that, but I’ve no doubt Young House Love will be an even bigger and better success than This Young House.
You handled a tough situation with grace, poise and dignity.
Major props kidz! Keep up the great work!
Bonnie Bell says
We were all WAY off! But you seem to be off and running with the new name. All of this litigation avoiding will keep you young.
Brandi says
So glad you guys are still blogging. love the new name. and love the signs you made. Where did you get them? :)
Melissa says
Ok you guys really did have some fun with this! First I thought it was a baby, then I was thinking that you got some big book/show/magazine deal, and then my biggest fear was that you were moving. Then I open up the blog this morning and see your title and almost had heart failure – you “youngsters” seriously rock and the “grumpy old folks” really need to get a clue – they are so 1960’s and if their customers get confused well I just don’t know what to say abuot that other than “old” and “young” are very different words. Glad you have a sense of humor through it all!
Micki says
I’m so sorry to hear that you have been the victims of a bully, but glad you are still around. Love your site. Get a lot of inspiration. Have written to those other guys. No longer in love with them. Can’t wait to see what’s new.
Kristy says
Congrats on rebirth. It’s a good thing. I see all of this as a sign that you are growing and making an impact. It’s a good thing. Only a good thing. When you threaten the likes of the big boy’s you’re onto something.
I know everyone wants to get angry at the big guy…but seriously…this is a good sign if you think about it from a management perspective. You are no longer the small fries …you’re big potatoes. (and yes that is a compliment)
Kelly says
I emailed them too. They tick me off so I had to tell them so!!
Kelly
Leigh-Anne says
Momma always said, “If you can’t say nothin’ nice don’t say anything at all. But, I think Momma would understand when I say those grumpy old folks should be ashamed of themselves. Hmph!
Well, anyway, I am so impressed with the way you guys handled the situation. I love the new name and I can’t wait to see what you two do next.
Sylvia says
Wow – that was a scare. So glad you guys are still going to stick around. I love your can-do attitude and turned this into an opportunity. What a bunch of so-and-sos to come after little old you, like that.
Mandi says
Hey guys! I have to tell you that I just found your blog the other day and spent most of all day yesterday reading through your “How-To’s”. I’ve been incredibly inspired! In fact, I sat in my bathtub today and cut out all of my old caulking bc I’ve been wanting to re-caulk since we moved in. Your tutorial gave me the push and how-to of how to do it. When I told my hubby of what I did today, he was so proud. (He’s a plumber!) I’m excited to follow your blog and see all you have in store. Crazy story though about why you had to change your blog name!! Geeze Louise!! -Mandi @ Finding Home
Ty says
I was worried as well when I first saw the words, “This Young House is no more.” I was so pleased when I read on and learned you’re still around, just under a new name. I’ve followed your blog for the last few months and love your style and your work. I am disappointed about the larger corporations foolishness, but I am yet again proud of your mature, thoughtful response. I wish you two continual success in life and in your blog- Keep up the good work!
P says
What a stupid move on part of the pub!!!
Being associated to you wonderful people and your amazing blog could only enhance their image (that is, if someone was indeed making an association). Their loss, I say.
Heather says
What terrible, awful bullies. Good job avoiding a long battle, but I still miss your old digs.
Carla says
Sorry about all that mess you had! I had to tell you that just now I googled “painting furniture” and your blog was the first spot that came up :) I should have known to check you guys out first!
mangomama says
wow. All I know is I will go OUT OF MY WAY to make sure This Olllllld House does not get a single page click or penny from me. You guys rawk and thanks for being such a class act!! You are one of my fave sites out there!!
Stephanie says
I have been reading your blog for about a month now, and I can say with all honesty that I never once even though of TOH when reading, looking at, or talking about your blog. It never even entered my mind.
So much for their argument!
Dee says
VIVA YOUNG HOUSE LOVE!!!!
christina in nh says
here’s what i’m betting, TOH is planning some “new” “hip” project and decided that they want to use This Young House for the name. If you see any new home show/magazine with that name boycott it and spread the word!
anna see says
Wow! I certainly did not see this one coming! I love the new name and will be glad to spread the news. AND, while I will be subscribing to YHLove, I will be UNSUBSCRIBING to a certain litigation-happy publication.
thursday says
Oddly, I was just discussing this sort of thing a couple of days ago! I was initially rather disappointed in your decision to bow to the bullying tactics. Of course, I’m no lawyer – but it really doesn’t sound like they would have had a case at all (seriously, you can’t have all of the “this ____ house” phrases out there). However, I suspect the bad press you’re creating for them here just by changing your blog name (and being such a good sport about it) will actually make them regret their initial stupid decision. Here’s to hoping, anyhow!
bethany says
amazing… just amazing. Everything about what you did here inspires me. way to go!
Fi says
people are so out there with associating one thing with another…not me! Would never have put the 2 together.
Amazing how you dealt with the whole thing…Bravo!
Lifelong Fan,
Fi
Megan says
What immature behaviour from a supposedly mature(old) company. Glad you young guys took it in your stride and rose above it all. Well done. Looking forward to the new and improved changes.
michelle says
You guys are soooo funny! Laughed at your pics. Changed my google reader right away. I don’t care how many times you change your URL… I will follow you all the way.
Best wishes on your new name!
-Michelle
Haley says
Funny, I was just telling my husband why I love TYH. TYH is so NOT TOH. TYH -down to earth, doable projects. TOH- doable projects if I had a 900 square foot, well-equipped workshop!
Thank you for your daily inspiration!
A new baby to love!
Jeff says
I was angry when reading the first half of your post. I started to see the light when you said that this change could be a great opportunity. life is really about that. turning something negative into something positive, seeing an opportunity from a misfortune and knowing which corporations are out to screw you because of greed.
lauren says
well good on you for having the right attitude and moving on! new reader here — about 2 weeks old – i’ve subscribed to the new site. carry on young ones!
KK says
OOH, good theory, Christina from NH – (That TOH may come out with a show or magazine or anything titled TYH.) That would get our blood boiling even more!
Daniel Meyer says
I think I’d hang on to that old URL though…offer to sell it to them for a hundred thousand or so.
I don’t think there’s any chance of brand confusion…unless they are starting a new brand/project…
My response to them would have been “Bugger off”, but I do understand the desire not to have a prolonged fight with deep pockets and to just move on.
Best wishes!
CUAgain,
Daniel Meyer
Catherine says
How ridiculous of TOH! Congrats on having such a positive attitude about it. I laughed at the $4 coupon bit :P
Caitlin says
When you post comments in your own blog, your name and Gravatar image still link back to thisyounghouse.com instead of to the new site!
Molly says
I changed my blogroll. What a pain in the neck this must be, but way to take the high road. Good luck in the transition.
polly says
Good for you on your positive attitude. I had actually been thinking of this issue for several months, while gardening or checking the mail (strange how the brain works), wondering why or how TOH (I can mention the big company’s name,right?! ;)) had not raised stink yet. As an attorney who used to dabble in some IP law, it really surprised me that they hadn’t–but also pleased me (because clearly your site was completely unrelated). Not anymore! You want to know why I think they are raising the stink now? B/c you’re getting bigger and better. Let’s just put it this way: it’s aggravating, it’s a pain, and it’s not particularly fair (and I wonder if you couldn’t prevail in court, but that would cost waaaay too much to bother with), but maybe it’s a backhanded compliment?
You guys are great, keep up the good work, love the new name.
Jackie says
Wow, TOH didn’t think this through…Alienating DIY-er’s doesn’t seem like a good plan for a company that focuses on home remodeling. That really stinks. Bookmarks have been updated – way to go with the coupon!
foobella.blogspot.com says
I don’t have time to read through the 350+ comments to assure I’m not repeating something that’s already been said, so I’ll just say it anyway.
I’m am optimist and somehow I think this will turn out to be a good thing. Maybe you can get some local press out of this without even mentioning the not-to-be-named company.
And I also have to add that when I first read this post yesterday, it never even dawned on me who you were talking about? Surely it can’t be them, I thought, as there couldn’t possibly be any confusion between the two. Then, I thought there must be a magazine and some other HGTV/DSC-type show called TYH that I hadn’t heard of. Silly me…and shame on you TOH.
Alisa says
I can’t believe this happened! So lame:0(
But I’ve changed all my stuff around so that I can find you, and anyone who clicks on my links can find you, too!
Thanks, guys!
Aimee says
As my students say, “If you ain’t got hattas, you ain’t doin it right.” Congrats on “doin it right”.
Averill says
Wow! I go away on vacation and come back to all these changes! :)
I think you were right not to try and push back on this. Ultimately, even if you won, you’d have spent a ton of money in legal fees and would probably not have much to show for it. I suspect the growing success y’all have been enjoying had a little something to do with the letter. Ah well, way to rebound guys!
Kim S says
As everyone else has said, I’d love you guys no matter what your site was named! Keep up the great work…looking forward to all that is to come at younghouselove.com!