Yup, you read the title right. This Young House is going the way of the dodo and the dinosaur. And although it certainly wasn’t our idea (let’s just say lawyers were involved) it sure has added some excitement to our lives.
The good news is that we’re already whipping up lemonade from the sour lemons hurled in our general direction. We’ve got a brand-spanking-new name and URL, but the site remains exactly the same otherwise. So remember to visit younghouselove.com from this day forth (and to update you reader, bookmarks and even your blogroll if you link out to us).
Ok, so here’s the full scoop. On July 7th, as many of you know, we were busy celebrating our two year wedding anniversary. But on July 8th we got a nice little present in the form of a cease and desist letter from a prominent home improvement magazine/TV show which bears a few similarities to our old site’s name (you guys can figure it out, right?). Don’t they know the two year anniversary present is cotton, not paper? Anyway, they basically ordered that we immediately surrender the use of our old name and URL because they believed consumers were getting confused and may think that Young House Love was in some way related to their brand. Picture us scratching our heads. In almost two years of blogging under that moniker not one person has ever asked if we were related to that company.
That started a rollercoaster ride of emotions. First came fear and sadness – were we really going to get sued or be forced to hand over nearly two years of hard work? Then came confusion and anger – why was the same pub that contacted us last year to compliment our work and offer us a free magazine subscription suddenly sending lawyers after us? Not to mention the fact that our site and our logo looked nothing like theirs, our names were essentially opposites, our projects are on a completely different scale, and we’re clearly just two young people with a personal blog (not a corporation with deep pockets and an army of lifelong experts). But we eventually unclenched our fists and faced reality. Even though we completely disagreed with every single point they made, what two-person blog wants to go up against such an industry powerhouse? Can you just imagine that? In this corner we have a million dollar company. And in this corner… John, Sherry, and a feisty chihuahua. No thanks.
So after many hours spent huddling with an attorney, we decided the best way to move forward (and spare ourselves a potentially long and expensive legal battle) would be to turn the other cheek and change our name and URL. After all, just as the-magazine-that-shall-not-be-named doesn’t want to be accidentally associated with us, we certainly share that sentiment. Now more than ever.
And a funny thing happened after we made the decision to move on to bigger and better things. We got fired up. Not throw-something-I’m-mad fired up, but this-could-be-an-amazing-opportunity fired up. Then came the search for the perfect new name. We tossed out a few odd but applicable ones first (involving our infamous love of white paint, ceramic animals and charming chihuahuas) but we still felt like Youngsters at heart. So we decided to bridge the gap between our old name and the thing that our last URL had always been missing: the can’t-deny-it crush we have on our home. We secured our new website addy on Bluehost for $4 with a coupon (you know we like to sniff out a good deal) and our new blog baby: Young House Love was born. It instantly felt like a place we could call home, and we really like referencing the idea of falling in “house love” (that unmistakable puppy love that we all feel for the casa we’re tenderly fixing up).
And here we are less than a week later, welcoming you to our new virtual abode. We’re still unpacking a bit, so bear with us as we transition everything. We know it may take some time for you guys to get comfortable with our new name and URL, but just as our old blog was once our baby, this one is our “youngest child” which means we’re gonna coddle it and spoil our lovely readers even more than we did before. Weekly giveaways (starting back up tomorrow!), before & afters, step by step tutorials- we’ll serve it all up on a white lacquered platter.
In the order of housekeeping, we would also love to remind you to change your bookmarks, Google Reader (click that link or add “www.younghouselove.com/feed” to find the right feed), and even your blogroll and the outgoing links (old and new) on your blog if you’ve linked over to us (links to specific posts can easily be redirected to the right place by replacing “thisyounghouse” with “younghouselove” in the URL and leaving the rest of the address as-is). Now that we’re legally bound to go by Young House Love from this day forward, replacing those old links and switching any old copy that says “This Young House” to “Young House Love” will really help our new blog grow and prosper (and make our day to boot).
Plus, if you’ve been following us on Twitter or Facebook (btw, we had lots of fun reading everyone’s guesses about our big news all weekend) please take a moment to switch over to our new Young House Love Twitter and Young House Love Facebook pages. They’re a little bare at the moment, but rest assured they’ll be the only place for bonus content and what-we’re-doing details from this point forward. Our old accounts will just turn into periodic annoying reminders to make the move so it’s best to abandon ship and jump aboard our new ones asap (note: please unfollow or unfan the old YHL pages after your switch to help us clean ’em out).
Oh and of course, we’d be forever grateful it you’d tell your friends / family / blog readers / coworkers / dog / gourd lamp about our new address. We would hate to lose a single one of you in the switch. We even made a handy little 120 x 120 button for any fellow bloggers out there who wouldn’t mind adding it to their sidebar with a link back to younghouselove.com (click HERE to grab it), which will really make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Thanks so much for your support. You guys put the love in Young House Love, so smooches all around.
Becka @Studio222 Photography says
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!
Amy says
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!!
SamiJ says
Does this mean you sold them your old URL for the large dollars?
Kathleen says
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.
micah says
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!
Making it Lovely says
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.
KatyW says
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 :-)
Missy says
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!
Gretchen says
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!
Adriana says
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!
Kim says
Glad that you are changing the name and moving on. Grrrr to that NASTY company!!!!
Carol from ISV says
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!
Melissa says
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!
Robyn says
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.
Annie, bossy color says
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.
Juliette says
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
Nicole says
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!
Erika says
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!
Katie @ Making This Home says
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
Erin says
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 =)
Quisha says
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!!
Meredith says
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!
YoungHouseLove says
SSM- Good question! Even though we have filed taxes with our old name for almost two years it’s still something we would have to go to court to defend- and we all know how much time that would have taken away from our home improvement projects! As for how the change effects our business products, changing the site over was really the extent of things- after all our shop and our design services are offered right here so everything’s thankfully in one place (and now it’s all under the new moniker). It was a bit of work to get everything switched over but we feel so good. It’s like a fresh start!
SamiJ- Nope, we’re not selling that old URL to them since we’d basically be giving them traffic that should be coming to us. We worked for two long years to build up our page rank and become the #1 entry on google when you search things like “how to paint furniture” and to hand that over would make us die a little inside. Hope you understand!
Letty- So glad to hear another trademark attorney agree that their claims are unfounded and that you think we would have been victorious in the end. We initially were so insulted and hurt that we wanted to defend ourselves but after a few hours of thought we came to the conclusion that we just wanted to break free and do something even better without any chance of them coming after us again. And now Young House Love feels so much more like home!
Kathleen- Thanks for the heads up about the space between the header and the first post. Would you happen to know what browser and what version you’re viewing it from so we can take a look and hopefully fix it? Thanks a million!
Meredith- We’re baffled about the “suspended” thing and it’s the first time we’ve heard about it. The only thing we can think of is that last night the site crashed due to a ton of people coming over here all at once for our big reveal so maybe it’s just a cache thing (ie: later in the day or tomorrow it should “refresh” and see that we’re no longer down like we were last night so it won’t do the “suspended” thing anymore- perhaps you’ll need to re-enter the info then and it’ll work)? Please let us know if you’re still having that problem after tomorrow so we can get to the bottom of it if it hasn’t updated by then!
And once again to EVERY LAST ONE OF OUR AMAZING READERS: We love you. You make our day every day. Thanks for sticking by us and making a tough situation feel that much easier (and even a little exciting!).
xoxo,
Sherry & John
Amy says
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
Desiree says
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!
Stephanie says
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….
Sarah aka "Crazy Cat Lady" says
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)
Ebonn says
I have no worries this new and improved website will kick butt! I look forward to all the new fun and fancy features!!
Tracey says
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!!
belle says
Love your site. Glad to see you’re still around to inspire us and to guide us!
dana J says
WOW is all I can say. Glad you guys just moved! WHOO HOO!
Teesha says
“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
Rose says
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!
Lisa says
Onward and upward! Young House Love….hmmmm I like the sound of that.
Blessings
Lisa
Letty says
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!!
Laina says
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!
Avery says
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!
April in CT says
Way to embrace the lemons, you two! *squeeze, squeeze, squeeze*
I’m really shocked they risked pissing Burger off like this. Shame on them!!
Christin says
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!
Johnna says
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!
Olga says
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!
Kim says
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.
Gord says
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!
Cherry@NewburghRestoration says
wow that is insane. But I am glad you guys found a way to overcome the situation. The new logo is cute.
Kimie Weldon says
It’s like nothing changed a bit on the new address. :)
Bookmarks set… I’m good to go.
Jill Stigs says
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!!
Yvette says
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!
Toni says
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!
Tracey says
Welcome to your new home YHL!!! I know it will be even more fabulous then ever.
Barbara says
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.
mhb says
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.