Just glad your still here! Who says the small guy cant win?Can our next suprise be a baby?

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

Those jerks! Oh well.. now you can just be better! I also really enjoyed the picture of Burger!!

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!

Jerks! But I like the new name.
And love the pic of Burger!

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’!!

Bum deal. Way to be the bigger people and move on.

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!

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!

(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.

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!

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! :)

Sounds like some big-bad publication got a lil jealous of your blog!! :-)

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!

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!

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!

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!!!

Old people stink. You guys, on the other hand, are so fresh. Love your attitude! Everything happens for a reason!

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!

Grrrrr…I just wrote TOH a letter to complain. I hate bullies.

Good luck with the name name – it’ll be great.

Carrie

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. :)

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!!

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~!

I meant “new name” of course.

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!

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!!!?!!!

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!

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.

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!

Long live Young House Love! Guess those “old” fuddy-duddies had nothing better to do. Lame for them, bully for you!

xo

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!

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.

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!

“…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.

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.

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!

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!

That is so ridiculous! I am boycotting them. You guys are more entertaining anyway.

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…

Good for you for not letting them get you down! Onward and upward! Very best wishes!

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.”

yay! an exciting change with only good things to come!

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!

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!

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??

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!

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!

I too hope the next surprise is a little youngster!!! But I am so happy to see you are not gone.

THIS, my friend, is how you know you are a success! Congratulations — you are a threat to the big guns!!

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!!

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.

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.

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!

That’s so lame. Props to you for taking this all in stride! Keep up the great work.

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. :)

I would follow your blog no matter what the name is. I will never purchase that other nameless mag ever, shame on them

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! :)

Great attitude about such an unpleasant situation!

Now, spend a couple hundred dollars to protect this name. Get yourself a service or trade mark.

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.

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!!

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.

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!

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!

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="http://www.younghouselove.com/" rel="nofollow">

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!).

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.

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! :-)

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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. :)

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 :-)?

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!

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.

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!

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… : )

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

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.

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.

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!

Bookmarks updated, Facebook updated. I’m ready to roll.

The nameless ones can put me on the list of lost customers. So HAH!

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.

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

I will follow you…Follow you wherever you may go…=)

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..

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!

“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!

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!

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.

Wow, some corporations really are dumb. Kudos to you guys for not keeling over and giving in.

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 :]

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!)

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.

Yeah that unnamed mag is so last decade. And your new name is a winner. Cheers to you for staying positive and plowing ahead.

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!

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?

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!

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

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.

I love your positive attitudes about this whole thing. What good examples you are of taking the high road.

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.

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! :-)

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!

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!

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!

I would follow you if you were called “this boring blog”! That stinks, especially after two years! I love the new name though!

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!

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!

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!

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!!!

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!

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

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!!!!

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!

Lawyers.

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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

Next time, call me. I’ll represent you for free! :-)

Happy to be on the new site! Keep up the good work!

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.

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!

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

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 :)

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?

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!!

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.

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?

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!

I’m glad your blog is continuing. What’s in a name anyway? Looking forward to more younghouselove. Sending some oldapartmentlove from Belgium

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.

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!

Whatevah (rolls eyes…). You rock the house, no matter what the name.

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’…

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!

No matter what your URL is, you guys are the best. Love you!

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.

You guys have definately taken the high road. David has triumphed against Goliath once again. Many congrats!

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!

Wow… my heart stopped when reading the first paragraph. So glad your just making a change rather than going away for good.

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!

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!

Aw, that sucks. They are clearly jealous and feeling threatened by how awesome you guys are. Way to turn this into something positive and exciting!

Those sneaky lawyers must have suggested offering the subscription just to get your address for legal action! Best wishes to you with your new name! Love your ideas and blog! Keep up the great work and great attitude!!

Does this mean you sold them your old URL for the large dollars?

I’m proud of you guys and your attitude! I’ve already updated everything and plan to spread the word. The new blog looks just as great, although I am seeing a big space between the header and the first post, but that might just be my computer. It’s an old browser.

SO glad you’re not quitting the blog and way to stay positive through all this! The new name is perfect. Keep up the great work!

I have to say, I always did wonder how your name wasn’t getting you in trouble, especially as you became more well-known! Glad to see you’re continuing and moving on with the new name.

Hey — it’s no big thang right?

I think Billy Shakespeare said it well when he said, “that which we call a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.”

And you guys are still smellin’ schweet :-) I love the new name!!

Whats really important is that we still have you guys, whatever the name is. I too had a mini-heart attack when I saw the banner about the end of TYH. Good one, you guys! I know you like to try to get us with your clever teasers. And get me you did.

Question — will we still have the old tutorials & old content? I’m pretty sure I understood we will. But want to double check because there are still lots of projects I haven’t gotten to yet that are waiting in the wings for me to do.

And BTW, shame on that other magazine/TV show. Gee whiz. Paranoid, much? But I agree w/ another gentle reader — nothing screams success like cease & desist orders from corporate conglomerates.

Young House Love ROCKS!!!! Sherry, John & Burger forever!!!

<3 Katy

PS — can you go please back to blocking your replies in another color? it's a great idea to help us find your pearls of wisdom fast & easily :-)

Wow! What a pain in the butt! I love the way y’all handled it, though. With 100% class! This little snag has only catapulted you in this reader’s opinion! Fabulous design advice AND integrity to boot. Killer combination. Congrats on the new name!

I’m happy that you both are able to take this all in stride. I loved the old blog and I know that I’ll enjoy the new one just as much. Keep up the great attitude and blogging!

I’m sorry that u guys had to go through this! But I’m glad u’re staying strong & moving forward. I almost had a heart attack when i read the first lines!! I thought we were losing you guys!! I hope it’s nice to see how many people love & follow ur blog, no matter the name!

Glad that you are changing the name and moving on. Grrrr to that NASTY company!!!!

You two handled it so graciously…and it is a good thing you held Burger back from attacking. He looks like a big bad fella in that picture! Looking forward to even bigger and better things!

John, Sherry, & Burger,

Congratulations on your new name, and for handling this whole thing with class. I will be another one of your faithful readers who will be sending a letter of complaint to TOH. Best of luck to you with YHL – I will continue to read and follow your blog faithfully!

Whoa whoa whoa.

wow.

is it normal that I kind of got tears in my eyes reading about the way you handled all of this? You guys are just the best. Reading that post was a whirlwind of emotions. I never knew I could drum up those feelings about a blog that I love from 2 people who I don’t really know, but feel like I do. :)

Once again, you guys are Rock Stars.

YHL, congratulations on handling a bummer of a situation with grace and style. Screw you, old fogey magazine that sicced your crusty overpriced lawyers on these lovely people. They’re just trying to do some good in the world, you know? How OLD is your customer base? Is it growing or shrinking? Would any association – mistaken or otherwise – w/ these hip new-media Youngsters REALLY have been a bad idea? Hmph.

I’m new to follow your blog, but I love the attitude! I am fast becoming smitten with your site and will keep following you at your new URL (MUCH snazzier than the last… those corporate folks are crazy!)

Love, The marketing kid over at LaDiff

Wow. That was a BIG announcement and I didn’t see it coming. But, I’m so excited for this fresh and new opportunity for you two! I’m still an avid follower!

As I commented on FB…Kudos to you for staying positive at such a ridiculous claim by the “other” DIY mag/tv show. I think NEW is better than OLD anytime! Your new name rocks!

Two thumbs up for J&S and your new blog name. It fits the direction that the blog has been moving – I love it. You really deserve a pat on the back.
Katie

How annoying! Why do people feel the need to micromanage like that? If anything, you guys were probably getting people fired up about home improvement, causing them to remember that old magazine and sign up for a new subscription. They should be thanking you. You guys rock, keep it up =)

Two letters… B.S.!! *deep breath* I’m going now to update my blogroll and reader pffftt! But they’re right, you have truly arrived :) When I first saw my reader I thought you guys were finished. But I’m happy to know that no one can keep you down!!

PS– I didn’t scroll through all the comments, so I don’t know if this was already brought up, but when I add you to my feed, or even to my blogroll with your new address, blogger is automatically changing the title of the site from “Young House Love” to “SUSPENDED”. If I click on the link, it still takes me to your new site…but that’s weird!

Good on you both for choosing to make lemonade out of lemons. I for one am still cheesed at the OLD company for picking on you. And if I had a subscription to their magazine, I would cancel it. There is room in the world for Old Houses AND New Houses to get along side by side thankyouverymuch.

Also, I was so sure you were pregnant. :P

Those classless bullies can go kick BRICKS! You two have grace, style, charm, and COULD NEVER be confused with stuffy old punks!

Congratulations on handling this with grace and sophistication and I’m sure you will only gain readers from this as we, your loyal followers will spread the word for you!

You guys are awesome!

I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few months the show that won’t be named announces they are launching a new show for young home owners. One guess what the name would be….

Love the new name!! You are both gracious in the way you handled this situation and I believe all your readers would follow regardless of the name! Wishing you both continued success :O)

I have no worries this new and improved website will kick butt! I look forward to all the new fun and fancy features!!

Well, I guess in all fairness, they do have a right to protect their name. I’m very pleased with the positive way you guys handled it and I’m sure you’ll be even bigger and better because of it. Change is good and sometimes it takes things like this to move us on to our next level of success.
HOORAY for you!!

Love your site. Glad to see you’re still around to inspire us and to guide us!

WOW is all I can say. Glad you guys just moved! WHOO HOO!

“That to which does not kill you, only makes you stronger” – You will always come out smelling like roses because this was your blessing! This “no named” mag was threatened by your success, which is why they waited until this time to “cease and desist” – never know, they may not be doing well…..

That’s awesome that you have a positive attitude because only good things will come as a result! The name is perfect!

Your getting lots of love….and your fans will follow! ;-)

Teesha

Good job making the best of a bad situation! You guys rock!
I have never and now will never read that unmentioned magazine or visit their site. Shame on them. You must get more traffic than they do and it made them jealous. Keep doing what you do because we all love it!

Onward and upward! Young House Love….hmmmm I like the sound of that.
Blessings
Lisa

John & Sherry,

Your blog is my hands-down favorite discovery of 2009 and I couldn’t imagine having to say goodbye to such a talented pair (and doggie!), so I’m really glad you’ve been able to work things out. I’m a trademark attorney, so this is the exact kind of thing I do on a daily basis. And although I think TOH’s claims are ridiculous and that in the end you would be victorious, I think you’re right to be the bigger party and avoid having to pay thousands in legal fees. Besides, your readers follow and love YOU, not your name, so no worries! :)

If I can ever help you guys out, just let me know.

Hooray for YOUNG HOUSE LOVE!!

Now that I’ve picked my jaw up off the floor…Out with the old, in with the new!!!
Can’t wait to see what’s next!

Good luck with the new venture! I’m a new reader and am super excited to see you live in Richmond! I live here as well =) So howdy, neighbors!

Way to embrace the lemons, you two! *squeeze, squeeze, squeeze*

I’m really shocked they risked pissing Burger off like this. Shame on them!!

I was so sad when I read the first paragraph and picture! What a hassel you’ve been through and I’m so sorry. But kudos to you for making the best out of a crappy situation. I already switched the link on my blog and am so glad that you’re sticking around! Good luck with the new, bigger, and better Young House Love!

I remember clearly that a certain sitcom (Home Improvement) took issue with the pulication that shall not be named!!!

Good for you for turning the other cheek and being the bigger people! It takes more courage to do that than anything else – so hooray for you! And way to not let it dampen your second aniversary!

There is much to be learned from Sherry & John!

GO YOUNG HOUSE LOVE!

How strange of this “old” company. I figure it probably drew more people to their site as you guys got more popular. I know I never heard of them before (maybe because I’m in Canada?) but after reading your blog I did visit their site also. So I think the loss will be theirs while you continue to rise in fame. ;)

As a friend of mine says, onwards and upwards!

Sherry,
Love those earrings! Best of luck with the new site! All the talk this weekend has even gotten my husband hooked on you guys: “John and Sherry used Lumber Liquidators for their hardwood floors, and they had someone else install them. I think we should look into that too.” He’s been resistant to the blogging world, so it’s pretty funny.

You guys are going to succeed regardless of this little “hiccup”. Your blog is real, fun, and absolutely amazing. All the best! You haven’t lost this reader!

wow that is insane. But I am glad you guys found a way to overcome the situation. The new logo is cute.

It’s like nothing changed a bit on the new address. :)
Bookmarks set… I’m good to go.

For a brief second my heart stopped when I read the title……….so glad it’s a name change (sucky as the reason for it may be). Sorry, just being selfish here. I am just super glad that I can still reach you all!!

Been there done that! Glad to hear its just a name change and they are not asking you to edit any of your content. Keep up the great work! Love sipping my coffee and reading your stuff!

I don’t see anyone else commenting that they are having the same issue, but when I try to subscribe in the Feed Burner, I get the 404 Error. It won’t let me subscribe! Ack! Help!

Welcome to your new home YHL!!! I know it will be even more fabulous then ever.

I love you guys and am glad you “took the high road” so you could spend your energy on your first love — your house!

When I use your new url, my Google Chrome tab still shows TYH. I don’t know how that gets changed, but just thought I’d report.

My reaction:

“What? Weird. Whew!”

Now I’m off to change my reader feed, and to remind myself never to buy the publication-which-shall-not-be-mentioned ever again. They just lost a customer with these shenanigans.

Yuck. I hate to say it, but two years ago when I saw your blog title I thought you would have to change it if you ever got popular. That’s just the way the legal system (gag) works, unfortunately.

Oh, and rest assured–if they took the trouble to send lawyers, you two are fast on your way to greatness. :) They wouldn’t bother with you otherwise.

Next time I expect a baby announcement. :) :)

Apparently this fiasco has made its way to the TOH wikipedia page – under the show’s “History”

I have a feeling this is going to have negative publicity for them and doubt that it will detract from your readership!

What a bunch of BS!! I did recognize the allusion to TOH when I first came across your blog, but would never confuse the two. I doubt there’s anyone else who really would either. I just hate that some huge corporation can do this to you – it’s so silly and such a waste of time.

But anyway, good for you that you turned this into a new beginning! Finding inspiration, motivation and success in seemingly lost-cause situations are obviously what you guys do best.

I also did a double take when I first began reading – “nooooooo! Where are they going??!!” was actually spoken aloud. But I guess a crazy reader who recently dreamt I visited you guys to help you with a new renovation would have that reaction to thinking you were actually putting down your paintbrushes and closing up shop :)

Congrats on your new name and this new beginning!

Congrats on your new site, John and Sherry! It’s sad that a company would come after a blog like yours that is so positive, fresh, creative, and so totally not trying to feed off of that other site. As a friend pointed out, could they possibly have rights to every “This _______ House” name?? But, regardless, you have made the best of it and moved on to bigger and better things. I’m just glad I’ll still have your blog to enjoy! May your new site be even more successful and awesome than your last! :)

love the new site! don’t let anyone get you down!

Wow! Can I just say that I am so proud of the way that you both handled this situation… I fell in love with your blog a few weeks ago when I discovered it from the “stinkers” – nicest term I could think of, that attempted to bring your incredible and inspiring blog down… All I can really say is WHY ON EARTH WOULD THEY NOT WANT TO ASSOCIATE WITH YOU BOTH??? I learn more from you then I have ever learned from them!! Thanks so much for showing everyone that there are still great people in the world with AMAZING taste and AWESOME advice!!!!!!

Much love!!!
Caity

I noticed that icons no longer appear in the comments nor the highlighting for when y’all post. Does this have to do with your new host?

Oh – and I have the same header image issue that Kathleen posted at work. We use IE 6 (but it looks fine at home on IE7).

gotta love wikipedia…S&J are mentioned:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Old_House

btw, not to go into a political tangent….what really burns me is that TOH was started on the TAXPAYER dime….then they went to ‘for profit’

so yep…we paid for it…they were a ‘start-up’ on the taxpayer dime…

kudos to REAL entrepreneurs Sherry and John! you guys rock..i agree with a previous poster…you’ve arrived

:)

Oh, and PS… How about a cute little line of YHL T-shirts to celebrate the new site?? :)

What’s in a name? It’s your wonderful content that always keeps me coming back. Congrats on your positive and can-do spirit as always!

ROCK ON you guys! Your new name is awesome and I love it. Thanks for everything you offer to us!!!

I thought your original name suited you well and was spot on to who you are and the content you offered. So glad to hear that you were able to make lemonaide from the lemons thrown your way.

Continued Success!

Love your website. So proud of you both for turning this into a positive experience that benefits you and all of us who constantly log on to your site! Thanks!

As they say…when one door closes, another opens! I’m sure this new blog will be just the ticket! I look forward to following your adventures here, at your new home! :)

Just sharing…he, he

July 13, 2009

This Old House Magazine/Online/Television
135 West 50th St, 10th floor
New York, NY 10020

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to let you know how disappointed I am that you sicced your legal dogs on that sweet young couple from the “This Young House” (TYH) blog.

Since you are completely clueless about how your legal move may negatively affect your company’s image, let me give you some food for thought.

Point A – This couple specializes in small projects like painting furniture and interior decorating. Since your guys don’t really “do décor” and are more into grand, historic renovations, you had nothing to fear from TYH blog…which leads to point B below.

Point B – Did it ever dawn on you that folks consulted with your website too? Get over yourself; the internet is big enough for both you and TYH.

Point C – Instead of sending a cease and desist, you might have sought to partner with TYH. It could have been the best of both worlds: young and old.

Point D – Have you ever even read the TYH blog? More than anything, the blog chronicles two people in love with each other and their little house. Somehow I just don’t see Kevin O’Connor and Tom Silva sharing tender moments together on This Old House.

In the future, I would suggest that you consider unintended consequences that may cause you to lose fans. A company who can’t appreciate TYH’s story has bigger problems than whether their blog name confuses readers. You should be ashamed.

Sincerely,

“A This Old House fan who didn’t know you were such a bully”

The crusty old publication that gave TYH the boot would have been better off giving you an offer of a print and online column and blog rather (adding interest and readership) than pursuing their present course.

I give this magazine to a friend every year for Christmas. I’ll be finding a new gift this year.

I’m sorry to hear the reasons that led to your name change (jerks!) but so happy to be enjoying some of the resulting lemonade. :) Not only will I gladly continue to follow you, but I’ll also link to you from my own blog to send some new readers your way.

I’m a US Navy wife living on the other side of the world in Guam, with a husband deploying to Iraq and your site gives me a little piece of “home” every time I read it. I don’t know if you know how very valuable that is! You also inspired me to make some lemonade out of my base-housing decorating lemons. We have cement bunker-style houses here, so that has been quite the adventure, but I couldn’t have done it without you guys.

Enough of my tangent! Love the new site and am really proud of you two, er, three. :)

I only just discovered your fantastic blog on Friday (which I have been devouring like a fine meal) and my first thought was “NOOOOOOOO I’ve only just found you, you can’t leave me!!” Imagine my relief when I read you were continuing with a fresh new approach :) Good on ya both. You have accomplished some wonderful things and your blog is a wonderful source of inspiration and personality. My only sadness lies in the fact that I’m in the UK and I can’t purchase all the lovely things you have online. However, it has inspired me to really seek out some fab things across the pond to recreate the clean, homely and stylish look you both do so incredibly well. xxx

I just came upon your blog a couple of weeks ago and it truly is a wonderful blog full of great ideas and you two are just the cutest pair ever (reminds me of me and my hubby) before our 7 kiddos came along! We bought a fixer upper as our first house as well back in 1992 and we fell in love with it too. A cute charming little frame house. Fond memories of them days, even when we added a dog and 2 kids, sill fun. I miss that house. I am so sorry that happened to yall, they must have been real scared of yall to go through all that. I never really liked that show, even back when we were with our fixer upper. I agree with the others, it will not affect your readership, most folks don’t care for the big bullies pushing around the little ones. I am glad to see yall are pushing forward and I look forward to the blog everyday….take care!

My stomach totally dropped when I read your first paragraph. So relieved you’re not going away!

I’m totally disgusted with TOH. I never once confused your blog with their enterprise. Do they think they own every phrase that begins with This and ends with House? This Cute House, This Ancient House, This Stupid House? I do agree with a commenter before me who said this only means that you’re getting more popular (as if you didn’t know!). Still, the smart thing for them to do would be to partner with you. Because I’ll sure as hell think twice before giving them my money again. What jerks!

Ditto, ditto, ditto. TOH just lost another reader due to their bullying. The web is big enough for you both.

Comment by Asiyah on July 13, 2009 @ 12:12 pm

excellent letter!

Change is good…love it…love this site no matter what it’s called! I do love the new name, especially the little heart.

Congratulations on taking this momentous step – what a testament to a great attitude and a great future. This Oldster just recently found you. I’ve been impressed and look forward to reading your blog. How intuitive of me to let my TOH subscription lapse this last month and to unsubscribe from their email last week! Best wishes.

those old farts! what jerk-osity!

Sorry to hear about the bum news, but I still love your site! I think that This Old House made a poor choice, and I have a feeling the backlash from their decision will affect them. Either way, good for you for stepping up and taking the high road! Fighting over a name isn’t worth your time or energy. Your fans will follow you wherever you go in the online world. ;)

I tried to post last night, but I think things were still a little glitchy!

Don’t worry – I know your readership will follow you all what ever your name is – We love Young House Love!

I always considered myself of fan of the other entity – but now that it seems like a big and scary corporation with skeevy underhanded dealings, well I dont know if I care so much for it anymore!

good luck and happy posting!

Congratulations on a fresh start! I just remembered that I actually had a dream about your mystery announcement last night. How funny! I don’t really remember what happened, but it involved hanging out with you and trying to guess.

Whatever the name or url, this young house/young house love will always be at the top of my favorites list :] you have brightened my boring desk job and givin me something to look forward to when i turn on my computer each morning. not to mention helped me spruce up my new home with some framed art collages and white ceramic details :]

Hi John, Sherry and Burger,
What jerks! I have been watching “that show” with my dad since the 80s but I can promise you that I will NOOOO longer watch them! They should be ashamed of themselves, and should have considered the fact that you may have brought them a whole new generation of readers or subscribers IF by some chance anyone would confuse the two websites, which they WOULD NOT since you are NOTHING ALIKE.

It sounds to me like they are just full of themselves, and it also sounds to me like they will be losing any young fans they did have since everyone seems to be as outraged as I am by all this. I know I am just repeating everyone else, but good for you for taking the high road. And I agree, you DO NOT want to be associated in any way with a company like that! Shame on them! Yay Young House Love!

And on a seperate note, a while ago I ordered two dog silhouette pictures from your site, the chihuahua and the daschund, and I LOVE THEM! I get tons of compliments and recommend you to all my dog owner friends.

Keep doing what you do, and as for THEM, what goes around is going to come around when they lose fans! So there!

You guys are like a case study in positive attitude! Love how you took a savy approach to launching the change. And how you got it all done so fast – the 8th was only a few days ago! Such go-getters.

Suck to that “other” organization. There system is clearly old fashioned (pun intended) if they have to depend on lawyers to protect their brand from someone who wasn’t even threatening it.

Wow, I can’t believe what happened to y’all! Amazing that said company totally played the Big Bad Wolf part and came after you and John! Incredibly tacky. I have never once associated your blog with that show. Never! I’m glad that you two showed some class and took the higher road. In fact, I love Young House Love soooo much better, I think it is more YOU! Yay for the new additions to the blog, I love it!

Ps- I’ve updated my twitter, bloglovin’, and my blogroll to reflect the new name!

The “unnamed publication” is in fact owned by Time, Inc. which also owns several publications that YHL has been mentioned in….Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, etc. So, clearly, giving up the offending URL was the smart business decision to make. After all, YHL is also a business and half of John and Sherry’s livelihood comes from the production of this blog. Let’s not forget that sponsorships, endorsements and general interest columns or mentions in large corporate publications generate money for our beloved YHL to keep on going. Plus, the “offending publication” has been published and on television dating back for over 30+ years…..those intellectual property rights are pretty indisputable. I am looking forward to the re-birth of this new blog! Out with the old!

You really had me worried for a moment there! Not that I’m happy you were forced to change your name, but I’m certainly very glad you’re not abandoning your blogging, which had been my first thought.

Your readers all love you and YHL, so we’ll be right here along with you!!

I got the “Suspended” message about 4 times before it would let me publish my comment. It says you’re overrunning your CPU usage with periods of 60 rolling seconds. No wonder why, this new site is buzzing the so many people and comments about your news! o_0

Good for you and your positive attitude!

And thumbs down to that magazine/company for being unpleasantly snotty and having no sense of whimsy or humor.

I subscribed to Cottage Living just before it folded. My subscription was replaced with one of the Magazine That Shall Not Be Named.

And if any corporate honchos from that zine are reading this blog… I won’t be renewing my subscription.

I’ve been lurking, reading and enjoying your site for awhile now and have to finally comment … I’m really impressed with your attitude and the way you have chosen to handle this mess. Good for you! You are an inspiration to us all. The world needs more people like you! Your choices will come full circle back to you and there is no telling what amazing things might come from all of this.

I am so proud of you guys! Your positivity and class are admirable! TOH really missed the mark on this one…sounds like some “kept” lawyer needed something to do to justify his/her bloated paycheck. I wish you much continued success at your new home on the internet!!!

Can we get a baby next though? Or a puppy, at the very least!

John & Sherry, I have been stalking the blog for a few months and finally managed to make my way through the archives and share TYH with everyone I know – needless to say I love the blog!!! Thanks so much for taking the high road, I’m looking forward to many more years from YHL! (and will remind all the aforementioned friends to update their links!) : )

You guys rock. I am also on the bandwagon that the not-to-be-mentioned franchise will not get another dime of my moolah.

I totally agree with everyone here. TOH is going to take a hit in their younger following because YHL is the much hipper, cooler way to go :) I wonder if they have a comment board or something where we could leave our “we are disappointed in you” messages…

I’m glad you guys took the high road. You probably would have won, but that would have been stressful and frustrating. Glad the transition is going well. Good luck! I’ve already changed to new name in my bookmarks.

Keep up the good work and positive attitude.

Interesting, I don’t think I have ever heard of that magazine… just as well, just a few clicks and I will continue to follow your blog, so, see you later guys!

Youngsters: Just thought I would share with you an email I just sent off to the magazine-that-shall-not-be-named:

“I am a subscriber to your magazine but will not be renewing when my subscription expires. The reason? Your giant corporation was petty enough to file a “cease and desist” order against a young couple’s blog whose name was similar to yours. You ordered them to surrender the use of their name and URL because you believed consumers were getting confused and may think that they were in some way related to your brand. Are you kidding me?? Is this what you think of your readers/viewers?? We are not mental midgets but apparently that is what you think of us. Ouch.
Good-bye, I will not miss you.”

love the blog, your creativity, and attitude! as a relatively new reader i’ve been going through the archives so i don’t miss one moment of tyh/yhl…since the moniker switch i haven’t seen the “previous post/next post” option. will that come later or is it gone for good?

thanks for all the inspiration you guys have given me!

That was so petty and lame of ‘that other site’ that i had to contact them and give them a piece of my mind! he he he

“I think your company is ridiculous for attacking THIS SITE.(i attached your URL :0) I mean…come on..are you THAT greedy?…Tacky if you ask me. My husband and i are buying a home and were thinking about subscribing to your magazine and using your site for ideas however, now that i know what a greedy company you are i will steer clear of your site and products and tell everyone i know to do the same. Regards, Tenille Gates”

Im sorry that happened to youguys but think your new site will be AwEsOmE! :0)

Is TYH.com going to be floating around in cyber space from now on? Will the link eventually not work?

I’m just so used to typing that web addy!

I just told my coworkers about your blog and they started talking about the Microsoft vs. MikeRoweSoft battle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_vs._MikeRoweSoft

Mike Rowe won! You might have had a shot! haha. I love YoungHouseLove though!

You guys rock – talking about making lemonade. Of course I’ll be following you over!

Well, as long as you guys are still here, we’re happy! :) Congrats on the new name!

Tell Bob Vila to stick it. I know I’d much rather read your blog than some crochety old dude. Sorry Bob!

Keep up the good work. I love your blog. I found you recently and have been enjoying your posts immensely. I am single, but after reading your backyard wedding post, I thought to myself, “I should have a backyard wedding.” Yeah, maybe I should start looking for a hubby first. The wedding could be awkward without him. :)

Thanks for sharing your life and all of your fun projects with us! Heather

how lame is that!!! they totally suck. wow 2 years have passed and they didn’t even know about it until now. i wonder who snitched?! lol! well, i’m glad that you still have your website up and running. it gives me such inspiration. i just hope one day my husband and baby boy will let me actually do some remodeling to the house.

OFFICIAL BOYCOTT OF THIS OLD HOUSE. EVERYONE SEND THEM HATE MAIL TO contact@thisoldhouse.com. I JUST DID!

How ridiculous and petty of them. I have watched that big-bad other show on and off since childhood as well as buy their magazine. As a homeowner I have become increasingly frustrated that they don’t provide good info on sources or that everything is so expensive. I am not such a youngster at 38 now, and probably have more of a budget than most for my home improvement projects, but still like to do things frugally when I can.

Finding sites like yours that offer ideas at reasonable prices has been a godsend for those of us who are decor/construction challenged.

While I used to read your site and watch that other show/read their magazine I now realize that I have no need for that other company. My subscription has been canceled, the show dropped from my TV watching schedule and I will be sure to drop them a note to explain how their pettiness and big-bad greed lost a customer, probably in their key demographic. Big bullies!

EMAIL SENT TO TOH

“I have always been a loyal reader and supporter of your magazine. As an interior designer I found your magazine and website very useful. BUT NOT ANYMORE. What you did to younghouselove.com (formerly known was thisyounghouse.com) is absolutley disgusting. You and your company are the poster child of exactly what is wrong with this country. You are sue crazy and think that you can take others down because of your power. Not only did I not associate you with them but even I did I would have taken it as a compliment if I were your company. It is clearly obvious that two people running a blog site are clearly not related to you dip sh*ts running this company. Also the fact that you waited so long to do this just goes to show you had not specific purpose they weren’t harming your company you just did it cause you could. I am now officially boycotting your company and will tell all my friends and clients to steer clear of you and your immature antics. Not only am I shocked at your behavior but I am embarrassed for you. You made a terrible choice and I hope your company suffers because of it.”

Screw those people at TOH we love you youngsters keep doing what your doing!

I have to admit that when I opened up your page this morning, I initially thought that you were closing forever, and not just relocating. Having recently discovered your site and not having had time to read every last word in the archives yet, The first thing that ran through my mind was “CAN I PRINT THE WHOLE WEBSITE BEFORE THEY GO OFFLINE?!”

You guys are fantastic and inspirational, and as someone currently living (large?) in NYC, it’s great to see someone else transition to non-city living so very successfully and with such style.

John & Sherry,

Very nicely done on how you handled this situation. A lot can be said for what you don’t say. Well done! I wish you much success and I’m sure your site and entrepreneurial endeavors will continue to grow.

Hi John and Sherry – Congrats on your freshly renewed enthusiasm for the new site! It sounds like you have a slew of little surprises up your sleeve, and I just can’t wait to see what’s in store.

I’ve promptly updated my blogroll to your new domain name.

As sick and un American as TOH’s actions are (where is the love for start ups, for mom and pops, for spirited entrepreneurship that is so central to something like renovating homes) I guess you should take it as a compliment….a really mean backhanded compliment…

You guys are getting big time if they’ll bother to sick their room full of lawyers on you. They wouldn’t bother if no one visited your site. What a dedicated following you have, that is only bound to grow.

sent to contact@thisoldhouse.com

This Old House,
I am very disappointed that you would send a Cease and Desist letter to the “This Young House” blog. If anything, their site name could have brought you more of the younger readers you are now missing out on. If I were you, I would have purchased a ad\link on the left of their page!

I will not be purchasing any of your magazines, watching your TV show or going to your website unless you send an apology combined with a financial compensation to Young House Love and\or purchase an ad on their blog.

wow, lame. you guys have a great attitude, bravo.

uuuuuuug! I am constantly researching lawsuits against companies similar to mine in a effort to learn from them… and found out that beside the obvious, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid ridiculous altercations like this! What is this world coming to??? I’m young BTW, and NEVER watch “THAT SHOW” or read the magazine, they’re old crotchity productions. DIE ALREADY stupid company.

I also fired off a letter to TOH to express my disappointment. I love how people like to tie up the legal system with silly law suits and threats.

Way to take the high road- you don’t want to be associated with a bunch of old timers anyhow!

Martha and anyone else~You don’t have to wait until your subscription expires. You can call the mag and have it canceled asap. They will refund your money for the remainder. Well, they are supposed to, but seeing as how TOH is a big bully, they might not.

J&S~Congrats on movin’ on up! We will be here, no matter what the name! Glad that you haven’t let the suits ruin all that you have worked so hard for. Keep up the great work!

Now, I am off to write my letter to TOH, as I encourage all of you to do.

Asiyah’s letter to TOH cracked me up. Well done!

Now, I will say that having spent a good amount of time in New England (including five years in Brookline, where TOH started), I do love the show. However, a recent article about the behind the scenes stuff that goes on with that enterprise has me realizing that this move is not out of character for them. Some of them are high drama and competitive, it seems.

Anyway, congratulations again on having such a great attitude about this.

Can we still call you the Youngsters? It has such a nice ring to it.

Hi Sherry & John,
While the news was certainly a surprise, the classy and stylish manner in which you handled the crisis certainly was not. Just like your practical, productive and up-beat website, you handled this legal issue with aplomb and style. Continued success with your website under its new domain name, Diana

I applaud you guys for your classy response to the Cease and Desist order. It only reflects well on YHL — both that a large company would bother with trying to shut down a blog and that you promptly came up with a solution that will make the site better than ever. It does not, of course, reflect well on that other company – but sadly, paranoid litigiousness is hardly surprising from a dinosaur like TOH.

Keep up the great work! I’m single and a renter but I live vicariously through your great projects and those of the readers who use your services. I’ve already changed my bookmarks and feeds for the new site – and I love the name!

Robin

We love your blog! It doesn’t matter the URL. :) I’m sure you guys won’t lose any of us because of this. You have the support of all your readers. :) Congrats on the new and improved site.

I guess this proves you are quite successful!
Once you started appearing in magazines and such and being admired by a larger and larger audience, the other site took notice like, “Hey! We should be getting that attention! Clearly everyone is CONFUSED about the name!”

I am glad the site will continue since I will soon have a new young house to love :)

I sent an email to TOH to express my displeasure at this entire situation as well. I have also canceled my magazine subscription. I refuse to support a company that, literally, cuts off their own nose to spite their face. After becoming a loyal reader of TYH, my interest in TOH was renewed. But if they think I will continue to support their antiquated, and quite often ridiculous, company they have another thing coming.

Totally lame of TOH. And I’m such a big fan of theirs, too. Sigh. But I’m sure the move will be bigger and better than ever. Good luck and I’ll be switching my GoogleReader link pronto. :o)

The names are opposite and you, in no way use their notoriety or ‘branding’ as subject. What a bunch of bullies! Acting professional isn’t about behaving big-headed. Not only is it unfriendly, it also taints talent. As a designer I think it’s a horrible practice to wrap oneself up in competition. There’s plenty of room and much to learn from our peers.

I embrace your enthusiasm and find your blog inspiring. I’ll remain an avid reader and enjoy your future success as much as if it were my own. Your down-to-earth manners and out standing work are appreciated.

This is another reason why I love reading your blog… you both are so creative…not to mention, mature. The way you have handled this speed bump is a testimony to how awesome you both are. YHL – here we come~ ;)

P.S. I think Burger could have taken on any lawyer/million dollar lawsuit – ANYDAY!!!

Love the new site and your positive take on this whole “situation”. I’ve been following your site ever since I received my first issue of The Nest (with you on the cover)and I’m constantly raving about you guys to my hubbie, even he has taken an interest. You have a great thing going and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings you.

I love the new name even better that TYH. I think it is more appropriate for your site anyways since I can feel the love you guys have for your home and each other all the way out here in San Diego!

Thank god you didn’t close shop!

This doesn’t even make any sense! I just got done doing a google search for TYH magazine or tv show and I didn’t find anything but “you”, and then I re-read your post, and found you wrote “our names were essentially opposites”. Am I to understand it’s TOH? Nothing about the two of you is the same. Unless having the words This and House in the title of a *blog* warrants a lawsuit. We live in such a litigious society! You can sue just about anyone for anything and win if you’ve got a ton of money to play with. It’s corporate bullying. I hate it! But I love you guys, and I’ve already changed my bookmarks, my google reader, and now, I’m getting ready to stalk you on twitter!

Thanks for your answers to my questions!! The gourd lamp is cute! :)
I’ve been reading through all the comments, it’s so awesome to see how much support you guys have!!
I think the reader that suggested you do something to protect/copywright your current name is a very pertinent thing to do. Don’t ever want to have to give up your name again!! This is it people!!
I just noticed a completely random happy face at the very bottom of your blog, and it made me smile!

Here is another sent to TOH…

I am appalled at the actions taken by TOH against the owners of the blog formerly known as thisyounghouse.com. Shame on you for picking on the “little guys” and strong arming them into meeting your ridiculous demands. I am also the owner of a blog and would feel privileged to be associated with them in any way. It is unfortunate for me, a young owner of an old house, that I will no longer enjoy your website, TV show, and magazine. I don’t associate with bullies in my personal life and I certainly don’t enjoy supporting companies who bully others just because they have the legal department to do so.

You guys are the best and I love your blog. I would rather be your fan any day over TOH. TOH could have gotten more fans from us youngsters but instead they turned us all away.

P.S you better watch out Burger could be in Legally Blonde 3. :)

Way to look at the switch as a great opportunity! I work in PR in Colorado and had a call today from a reporter with the Richmond Times Dispatch. When the call was put through to my office I responded to my co-worker “That’s where the Youngsters live!”:) No matter what you are called, you have already made a huge impression! The sky’s the limit… Congrats!

I am really glad that you seem upbeat about this move. It is hard to keep your chin up when something comes out of the blue like this. You have a ton of support among your readers and I think you can feel the love. At least I hope so!

I noticed another person suggested a new t-shirt design or something to commemorate the new and improved digs. I love this idea. :) I would def consider a cute house love shirt purchase.

Sherry and John,
The two of you (and Burger) handled this whole ordeal very gracefully. i’ll keep reading every day no matter the url.
i sent TOH a politely worded email letting them know how disappointed i am, and that i’ll be boycotting them and telling my friends to do the same until y’all get a proper apology.

that BIG ol’ corporation just showed it’s true face! Your site is incredible and reflects the people that you are!
Congratulations on the new improved lemonade!
xo,
j

Well, you know you are getting somewhere when big names start coming after you :) Congratulations on your new/young (cyber) house. Hope you’ll find a lotm more success here :)

It certainly is an affirmation of your popularity, isn’t it? As in, they are concerned that you are now competition. Wow, that’s a real compliment.

Way to rise above all of the attempts to own and knock others out of the competition that riddle today’s litigation rabid society. You also did the smart thing to keep your pennies in your pocket. Lawyers are expensive and waiting on the sidelines for this type of suit. It’s not the name that kept us coming back; it is the content. And I’m confident it will continue.

Ok, I think is is a pretty silly that you guys had to change to but in defense of Bob Vila, under copyright law if you don’t defend your copyrights you are open to losing them. The people at This Old House probably liked the blog but if they didn’t say to stop using it, that could leave the door open for a big well-funded company to legally do something similar. Anyway, I guess my point is try not to blame the This Old House folks too much.

Just wanted to throw my hat in the ring and commend you on handling this so gracefully. After reading your post this morning, I promptly canceled my nearly 10 year subscription to the magazine of the company that shall not be named. I think that they missed a phenomenal opportunity to collaborate with you two. I’ve been worriedly watching the market share of that company decline in the past decade and it’s due to boneheaded business decisions like this. If that other company was to extend to you an apology and compensation for the migration costs (including compensation for your time), then I would happily renew my subscription. You two do great work, are exceptionally creative and unique and have been bringing joy to my day for over a year. I look forward to seeing where Young House Love goes!

Wow–talk about a shake-up! Sounds like you guys handled yourselves well, and the new blog name is great! LOVE the pics in this post–they totally cracked me up. I think YHL will be even bigger and better than TYH. If I wasn’t preggers, I’d totally bust out the champagne and join you in celebration! ;)

sheesh that’s crazy!! That’s so mean!

You all handled it so well! At first I thought you all were going to announce that you all were going to stop your website, period! I was soooooooooooooooo relieved! My heart dropped!! lol I have already updated my blogroll! Love you guys!! =)

Is Bob Vila still alive? And what about Norm? I doubt those two heard of the internet and to think I was forced to watch them growing up on PBS.

I’m still a huge fan and can’t wait for bigger and better things from Young House Love!

Oh! My heart sank for a minute when I first read the news…but by the end I was jumpin’ for joy (literally)! I’m excited for your new adventure- and I absolutely LOVE your positive outlook on life’s sometimes unexpected & bumpy turns in the road. I think this warrants a celebratory action shot :)

I also sent an e-mail to TOH. Shame on them.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I was very surprised to hear that your company served a cease and desist letter to thisyounghouse.com. From my perspective, this was not a wise business decision on your part. As a new, older home owner, I frequent thisyounghouse.com for do-it-yourself and decorating ideas.

After finding their site, it occurred to me to check to see if This Old House was still airing. I was very surprised to find that your show, which I remember watching as a very young child with my grandparents, was still in existence. Because of thisyounghouse.com, I began to buy your magazine and frequent your website.

Because of your greed and attempted intimidation, I will not be spending any more time or money on your brand.

I remain a loyal thisyounghouse fan.

Sincerely Disappointed,

Unbelievable! I almost had a heart attack when I opened your blog and read the title of the day’s post…I was so worried you were gone forever! Huge kudos to the way you handled this ridiculous situation, and I am always continually impressed with your optimism and go get em’ attitude. I don’t think I’m alone in this when I say I want nothing to do with thosewhoshallremainnameless from now on and will always be loyal to this wonderful site and the three of you (Burger included)! “They” will be getting an email from me shortly. We’re all in this with you!

Awesome new name, by the way :)

What a compliment this really was! Your fantastic blog is cleary getting some big (okay, also bad and scary) notice! Can’t wait to see all of the great energy this change is going to inspire!

Now, onto a more self-serving topic…is there any way to find old “We’re Digging” items? A while ago you posted a great clear-glass lamp that I loved, but I can’t find where I book-marked it. Obviously you have more important issues on your plate right now, so I completely understand if I don’t see a response.

Thanks for sticking with us all – I adore your blog!

I’ve been followig your blog for months now–incidentally, stumbled upon it because of your wedding! I was sooo inspired (from asking my local wine shop to save bottles down to paper bag favors — not to mention having a backyard wedding of our own) that i instantly became hooked on your site. Just got married to my sweet (we’re young’ins too) and returned from my honeymoon this morning to find this at the top of my reader.

Great job on the way you handled the sitch–lots of love from newlyweds in cali!

Well, pooh on the dinosaurs at TOH for thinking TYH was infringing on their brand. And yea for YHL – you guys are excellent marketers and are smart enough not to stay in the fight with them! Glad you’ve already figured out such a great solution!

Whew – I made it over.
Made all the changes – I am a compliant fan!

Congrats on the new (cute!) name!
And see… now that coupon for webhosting didn’t go to waste. It all worked out in the end.

John… Can I call you “Bob?” Just askin’…. =D hehe

The email I just sent off:

To Whom it May Concern,

You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Not only are you pushing the divide in this world between the little guys and the big guys who push the little guys around, but you have just made yourselves look absolutely ridiculous and petty. Why stoop to that level to take out a fantastic, wholeheartedly, lovely and fabulous blog, family, business and more, one that is not threatening you? Especially when they’ve been around for a couple years now and you even befriended them months earlier?! Disgusting. It’s ironic that an enterprise as big as This Old House would be so worried that thisyounghouse.com would, what, take over your world and render you useless? In fact your actions have pushed that in the RIGHT direction, in my opinion. They SHOULD take over and you should be scared. You just threw away loyal, lifelong readers, watchers and idea followers, not to mention big bucks, simply because of one simple name that could have paid off for both parties in the end. Ever hear of collaboration? It’s pretty important in the design world. Perhaps as your viewership drops, magazine subscriptions are cancelled and your blog ticker dwindles you’ll realize the error of your ways. I suggest you add them to your blogroll and check in to follow along on the mess you created, (that the lovely Petersiks took in stride without a fuss) and take note.

Sincerely appalled,

Meagen Boehm

You handled the situation graciously. I’m sure you’ll do amazing things with your new web home just as you did your house!

Wow. Are they going to sue the bloggers of “This Old, Old House” or Neil Young for titling a song “This Old House”? Amazing what people will do in this day and age. Kudos to you guys for rising above it. It will only strengthen your following!!

Dear Sherry and John,
I felt indignation when I read what they did to you. How could they be so greedy? oh well, their loss.
I love your new name!! and will keep supporting both of you in all you do. You are such an inspiration!
mucho amor!

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

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.

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!

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!

Thank goodness! First thought – first Domino and now this – I’m coming down off the ledge now;)

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!

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!

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!!!

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?

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.

I love your blog and your great new name!!

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!

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.

So glad you guys are still blogging. love the new name. and love the signs you made. Where did you get them? :)

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!

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.

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)

I emailed them too. They tick me off so I had to tell them so!!
Kelly

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

What terrible, awful bullies. Good job avoiding a long battle, but I still miss your old digs.

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!

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!!

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!

VIVA YOUNG HOUSE LOVE!!!!

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!

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.

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!

amazing… just amazing. Everything about what you did here inspires me. way to go!

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

How ridiculous of TOH! Congrats on having such a positive attitude about it. I laughed at the $4 coupon bit :P

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

As my students say, “If you ain’t got hattas, you ain’t doin it right.” Congrats on “doin it right”.

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!

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!

From the first photo I thought you were leaving! Sorry for the problems, but happy you aren’t going anywhere. Updated my link and can’t wait to see all the new stuff to come!

GGGGGgggrrrrr is right!!!!! What a bunch of over-stuffed shirts!! Here’s wishing you all the best….You will go far I am sure. :)

I will update asap!

What a shame. That’s definitely turned me off of the “This Old House” brand.

Hilarious that it’s already a part of their wiki entry. Are you allowed to update your own FAQ, or do their lawyer sharks expect you to pretend that the last two years never happened?

Good luck to you both! This has absolutely turned me off EVER wanting to watch TOH or have anything to do with that company.

Wow…I seriously can’t believe this… So sorry you had to contend with all that craziness. I will totally think twice now before turning to “the other” company.

But… I’m looking forward to your new place of residence on the worldwide web.

This jerks!! I’m with burger- Grrrr. So silly! Glad that you’ll still be blogging though, that’s the good news! :) Happy to go to a different site if it means that I can still read what you guys have to share! :)

Words to TOH: “Jealousy is worse than hate.” Looks like the big guys were a bit envious of your youth-driven, very cool and successful site. Get a life, TOH, and pick much bigger battles. I will never buy your magazine!

But on the plus side Sherry, you must be so pleased to have been able to put your naming experience to use for yourself?
This won’t make a jot of a difference, you still rock…

You are an amazingly talented & remarkable couple who provide a lot of inspiration to your ever growing legion of readers. You took the high ~ & smart ~ road &, although this has been a royal pain-in-the-you know-what over the past week or so, it will benefit you greatly in the long term.

The best things happen when people work with each other & not against each other. Big corporations sometimes forget that.

Sour grapes, I say….. >:-(

I’ll never understand to what benefit TOH felt that inconveniencing you would somehow lead to any gain on their behalf; Some people just can’t stand for others to have any success of their own. I’ve never bought a copy of TOH, and now that I’ve seen what they’re really made of (corporate greed), I never will. I guess if there is any silver lining to this, perhaps they perceived your blog as a gaining threat?

(Or, perhaps Burger had them shaking in their boots….. GRRrrrr……. )

I first discovered y’all about a year ago on Flikr, and loved your style…. didn’t even know you had a blog, until I saw your DIY mag features! It’s great that you’ve been able to carve a niche of your own in the “blog-o-sphere”, shakin’ what you’ve got…… is there, possibly, a book in the future? Better yet, a show? I’d TIVO you every day. :-)

I was lucky (I guess), and found my way to your blog right as this URL transition occurred. I am sorry for your inconvenience, and hope that you see this experience for what it really is; none of this would have ever happened if TOH didn’t know that you were on to something. I see a grand future for your enterprise.

Sick Burger on ‘em. ;-)

What a hilarious post! I love it. Change is good!

Boooooooo on you know who! How sad I don’t even want to say their name, they may sick the dogs on me for mentioning it.

Boo! Well, I love the new name even more!!! And I’m loving Burger’s ‘grrr’ sign! Haha! Ya’ll are too cute!

I know remixing your brand can definitely be a downer – especially after all the time you’ve invested in it. You guys have a great, informative and well-designed site that has plenty of engaged readers… this event is only a catalyst for bigger things to come. Keep up the good work (and thanks for your great ideas!).

FYI – to make sure that you keep any SEO benefit from your old site – make sure that if you are redirecting any pages from the old site to do an SEO Friendly “301″ redirect from your old pages to your new pages. It tells Google that you have “permanently moved”. Good luck with the new address!

Thanks for writing to me today to tell me about this post and your news – wow – I had no idea. Yes, I’ll change the links in the various places where I’m mentioned you guys — of course.

Honestly, I see this as a great move for you. It’s important to no be associated with another company when you’re clearly not and I guess I can understand where they are coming from as I always thought This Young House was a spin off of This Old House and that you both worked for them or something. Then as I got to know you better I figured out you had nothing to do with them. But you are better off this way and everything happens for a reason so remember that.

I see this as a very positive thing for you and your future. Plus you are earning an income from this blog and your decorating services so it’s important that you in no way sound or look like someone else. You are going to do better I think with the new name.

I never liked the old name (sorry) because I always thought about that tv show, but the new one works – fresh, young and fun which is what you’re going for. :) Knock ‘em dead you two!!!

xo
Holly

You all are so much better than that big corporation- and so is your site!

Think your new name fits you guys perfectly…and lawsuits are not fun or cheap. My husband and his brother went through a similar experience with his company, they were sued by a bigger corp, faced with an injuction right before they opened their restaurant…they other guy said they had issues with trademark infringements…my husband wasn’t going to back down and change the name of his restaurant
(he also has a background in law), so they went to court and after several rounds and loads of cash, my husband and his brother actually won. The name remains 17 years later with 4 more restaurants being opened.

I had a similar problem when I owned the domain name IngridBergman.com for 10 years. I asked her “official” site to partner with me and then the next week I had a lawyer calling me. Her son was nice and offered my $500 for the site design though, which they never used. Oh, well. Glad it is working out for you.

A copy of the email I sent to TOH. I’m still your fan!
To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to let you know that your recent actions against John and Sherry Petersik of http://www.thisyounghouse.com have severely altered my respect for your company. Their name is in fact, the very opposite of your company’s, and their small but wonderful family blog and DIY efforts are in no way affiliated with your company. They do not claim to be affiliated with your company in any way. It is even more shocking and outrageous that you would take action against all of their hard work (2 YEARS AFTER they started the blog!) after offering them compliments for their blog and a free subscription! If that is not hypocritical and short sighted, then I am not sure what is (not to mention belated!). My husband and I are avid DIY’s and my husband currently receives a (gift) subscription of your magazine. You may be sure we will not be renewing it. This disgusting display on your part has convinced me that there are far better choices out there for our home improvement needs than your company. Perhaps you should think about that while there is still time to make reparations.

Disappointed in Cincinnati,
Sarah —–

It’s just the case of TOH protecting their brand. They had no problem with it when you were a smaller blog but if it turns into a job and a sales page then they’re going to have to take action. I didn’t expect the name to last as long as it did.

And oh look!
http://www.amazon.com/This-Old-House-1-year/dp/B00005R8BL?tag=slickdeals

I have to say, I felt EXACTLY the same as Sarah mentioned above. I also wrote a very similar note to TOH and have since cancelled the FREE subscription that comes into my home. Yes, I said that right…I even cancelled a subscription I was not paying for! But I digress… I think you name is actually more fabulous that the one before it! What a wonderful feeling to know they feel so threatened by you! ;o) TOH is past its 1980s prime, but YHL is just getting started, can’t wait to see what you have in store for our little blog world!

You guys are awesome and I’m totally addicted to your blog. I would take it all as a huge compliment.

You have done an amazing job on your first home. I was wondering if this would happen. We bought a new house in California (moved from the East Coast) and it was riddled with mold. I’ll have to send you some remodel pics, but you guys are amazing! I love that there are other couples out there doing it on their own with great results. To heck with the old name. It’s a testament to what you’ve created. You have a lot to be proud of! If they were smart at TOH – they would have scooped you up and put you guys on the payroll for all the people like you. They’re missing out on a huge demographic!

A friend just forwarded me your address and I have to tell you how very much I enjoyed reading this post. I am in a similar situation where I have been using a name for my internet biz for the past 2 YEARS (never TMed it) and 2 MONTHS ago someone opened a store in the same city as me with a similar sounding name and filed for the TM. I have recently posted to my blog about the whole sordid saga. I honestly believe that this person knew of me when they chose their name and I know they have been profiting from the reputation I have worked so hard to build — in just 8 weeks, I have had approx. 20 emails from people telling me they visited this other store thinking I was affiliated with it.

It’s funny because I too have been through all the stages you express and am finally at a point of acceptance of the situation (though still harbor quite a bit of anger). I think you have truly made the most of this bad situation and I admire your creativity in spreading the word about your change of name. Am currently grappling with this — do I wait for the cease and desist letter to come or proactively change my name?

Now that you have the perspective of almost a year behind you since the name change, I wonder if you would have done anything differently or have any additional words of advice to share?

Keep your chin up! I like your site better anyways!!!