Thursday, June 19, 2008

Welcome To Freckled And Fun

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Sometimes you need to start fresh and clean. This is one of those times in my life.

I was not planning to change my blogs and design work. I made a mistake by not going out and purchasing the domain names for Freckledfun.com and FreckledFunDesigns.com when I started blogging. I had no idea that when I started making blog banners and watermarks for friends, I would grow to love it. I had no idea that my blog would grow into a small business. I had no idea that I had to protect my name and the Freckled Fun name.

This past February, I inadvertently typed in Freckledfun.com and was directed to a fellow stamper's website. I was shocked. I typed in Freckledfundesigns.com and was immediately sent to the same website. My shock turned to anger when I realized who owned this website. Not only was it a fellow stamper, it was someone whom I have known for years from a website which I frequently visit.

This individual had purchased those two domain names with bad faith. I do not use those terms lightly. Although I did not have the copyright on Freckled Fun, I did choose the name Freckled Fun and Freckled Fun Designs for my blogs and had established those names as part of my creative identity. Those names had been mine for about 2 years when this woman purchased the domain names. There was nothing freckled or fun about her blog. It was merely a competitor in the blog banner business. Shame on me for not getting the websites initially, but
SHAME ON HER for trying to deceive people into believing that her website was Freckled Fun. Shame on her for trying to lure people to her website using the Freckled Fun and Freckled Fun dot com name.

There is so much information on Cybersquatting and Bad Faith domain name registration online (just do a google search on those keywords). It is pretty boring stuff. Despite my lack of legal background, I could clearly read online that what this person did was completely wrong and unethical. I attempted to contact this individual via email, phone and mail. I received a short, rude response via email and decided that I either had to spend thousands of dollars to copyright my name or spend a lot of time changing my Freckled Identity. I chose the latter. Why spend needless hours engaging in a battle which I will never win. This person is clearly out to hurt me and I will not engage in this ridiculous game any longer.

So FreckledAndFun was born as a collaborative effort. I consulted friends (thank you to all my friends online and in real life who let me run my ideas past them) and my family. My children think that this new name is perfect (although even this morning they asked why "that woman took Freckled Fun".) I needed to keep Freckled in the title (it's so ME) and I wanted to Keep Fun (because clearly my designs are fun).



I also am not deleting the old blogs, but there will be no more updates to either one. I will post a link to here on both blogs (in case you forget the new website). You can get to the blog by typing in either http://www.freckledandfun.com or http://freckledandfun.blogspot.com

I have a new feedblitz feed on the sidebar {please sign up for regular updates!} I will continue to tweak the blog here and there, but have come to the realization that I need only ONE blog. SIMPLIFY!!! I will clearly label whether the item is a graphic design, a stamping project or just generic family fun. You can easily click on the labels portion of the sidebar and see all the labels. Pricing for the design work will remain the same and I will keep that pricing information on the bottom of the blog for you to easily access.

I am also still continuing to stamp and hope to do that just as much or more in the future. I love stamping, it is what got me where I am now. I will always continue my passion for papercrafting. I will continue to serve as the Hostess for the Featured Stamper on Splitcoast Stampers. My gallery {myprecious} is updated there on a regular basis. I will still Demo for Stampin' Up! and design for Hanna Stamps!, Kitchen Sink Stamps and dabble with Scor-Pal!


I will also have a new FreckledAndFun logo. If you would like the HTML code for the new logo, send me an email at freckledandfun@gmail.com

You can reach me at freckledandfun@gmail.com with questions, comments, feedback.

Thank you for your support during this transition!



87 comments:

Jaymerz said...

Beth I am sorry to hear about this!! I made the desicion to change my blog name a few months ago because I found out that someone also named Jamie was using my same blog name, although I had mine for almost a year before. I don't have a buisness attached to mine, but I really feel for you, it stinks when you love somthing and then have to change it because of someone else's actions!!!

Unknown said...

While no one can undo the harm that's been done, you can limit it. You can direct the new website to the old blog address so that your feedburner subscriptions all still remain the same.

Your fans will still find you!

Lorie said...

Well, I have your new blog all bookmarked so I don't loose you! So sorry for all your trouble. Some people's kids, huh?

Vera Matson said...

OMG!!! I just figured out who did this to you, and I'm shocked. I'm even more shocked that she has an etiquette category on her blog. That's so wrong. I think your blog is great, and I definitely am disappointed for you that someone would blatantly buy a domain using your itentiy and point it to her blog. Good luck with your new blog!

Tammy Hershberger said...

You GO, GIRL! The new blog looks as fabulous as you are! It may have been a long road, but it's good to see the better person coming out on top with her head held high!

Anonymous said...

High Fives to you, Beth!
You have weathered this unexpected storm in lovely fashion, with your head held high. I'm just one of many who has been stunned by the greedy purchase and unscrupulous deeds of the other stamper. I'm sure this new change will bring new & wonderful changes for your business as well. Bethie, you go girl!!
(((hugs))),
Tex

Anonymous said...

Oh Beth! I'm so sorry to hear about this!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Beth, I'm SHOCKED at this person's actions! But you know...what goes around, comes around, I think. I just recently purchased my domain after blogging for over a year. I get chills thinking that could have happened to me, too!

Love your new look and best of luck with your new name.

Connie
www.inkspiredtreasures.com

Jenn said...

How ya like them feathers!! WTG Bethie!!!

Broni said...

Beth, I'm so sorry that you've had to do this, but when a door is closed....well you know what I'm saying. This will be the start of something even better!! I LOVE the look of your new logo. I've already added you to my reader. Best of luck!!

Becky and Ellie said...

Beth... We are so saddened for this loss for your whole family as we know how attached you ALL were to freckledfun... We checked in on you all daily there, but glad to know where we can find you now. If it means anything, we love your new "look"... :O)

Becky and Ellie said...

Beth... We are so saddened for this loss for your whole family as we know how attached you ALL were to freckledfun... We checked in on you all daily there, but glad to know where we can find you now. If it means anything, we love your new "look"... :O)

Amanda said...

Looks great Beth! Glad you made it over here and best of luck with everything!!! Your new header is GORGEOUS! You truly rock at this and you are so much wiser this time around -- things are bound to go well! Mwah!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about that! Got you new blog addy saved!!!!

Debbie Corbari said...

YAY for you! Congrats on your new SUPAH blog! From one freckled (& fun?) girl to another....you ROCK! And little miss what's her name can go SCRATCH! :)

Pegg S said...

I'm sorry you had to go through this... but am glad you moved on and left those bad vibes behind you! I love your attitude - I am inspired. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

People really suck sometime!!! Glad you're still with us, I'll still check in on you everyday!

Lori said...

As others have said, so sorry this had to happen. But what a classy style you have, not letting it get you down and you are moving full steam ahead!!! I was shocked when I read this. I have been following you for quite some time and will continue to do so!! You are wonderful lady!!!!
BIG cyber hugs to you!!

Unknown said...

Wow, that is terrible that someone would do this! I am so sorry!!! I am glad you have figured out a way to keep things going with your cute name and of course I look forward to seeing what talented creations you have in store for us on your new and improved site!!! ;)

Judy in Indiana said...

I am here checkin in and rootin' you on, too!

Lisa Charleton said...

Wow. People never cease to amaze me. I truly believe that what comes around, goes around - and some day karma will bite her in the a$$!! She should be ashamed of herself and come to the realization of what is the right thing to do and that would be to give up those domains to you. It's not like she uses a similar name! I applaud you for being classy about this because I'm not sure I could do the same!
(And if I ever need a blog banner you can bet I'll be using you!)

Sew Club said...

Good for you, Girlfriend! Now, you're protected! I had no idea there was such a thing as "cybersquating"! Very underhanded, indeed! Now I'm off to find a watermark! :)

Stefanie Staniak said...

Great opening to a new start - said with a lot of class. It is good to move on and leave the dirty litter behind !!
Good Luck with this Glorious new blog !! :)

Unknown said...

Beth your new blog looks FABULOUS!! You've been such a great example of how to handle a bad situation - you've taken the high road and I know you will be come up on top!! :)

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

Beth, I too am sorry to hear this. If I am correct, she owns 13 domains!! I am clueless as to why one needs that many. I LOVE your new banner and I like the AND between freckled and fun. Love the flowers in the word "Freckled".
I believe your business is going to grow by leaps and bounds.

Carmen said...

Your new blog looks great... and I am appauled at the actions of the other blogger... I never did she the other site until today but I am quite disgusted that she - and I know who "she" is - has an etiquette section... needless to say my last visit was my only visit to the site. Keep up the hard work!

Unknown said...

Welcome to the blogging world!

Helen said...

Wow, I'm really shocked about this. Accidents happen - I called my blog All Things Stampy, not realising there was already an All Things Stamped... but this sure looks deliberate! Glad you came out smiling! :)

MichelleY said...

Bethie....I am so proud of you! Your integrity and transparency speaks volumns to the kind of character you possess. Add this to your incredible ability to design blog headers, watermarks, papercrafting, etc....and I KNOW your business will grow far past the competition.

Nancy said...

OMG! I am in awe that this person did this to you. It's not difficult to find out who is... I can't imagine having done that to someone

But hey... change can be good.... Freckled and Fun works for me!

Good luck!

i {heart} papers said...

Oh Beth, it saddens me that people can be so mean and spiteful. It's especially hurtful when it is someone you know. Ugh. Well, I'm following you. You're fabulous no matter what name you go by!

Jessie said...

Beth Love your new site! Sorry about the old one. Some people are just not nice! I hope someday to have a blog and use you as my designer! Thanks for all your fun ideas and sharing about your cute family! Have a wonderful weekend! Jessie in NC

Bevie Pearl said...

Bethie, I am so proud of how you have handled this situation. I applaud you!!! I love the new look!

Heather McNally and Melissa MacDonald said...

Bethie - it looks FABULOUS! You are a classy woman and a wonderful friend. I agree - Karma is gonna come 'round - I don't want to stand even a FEATHER's distance away from her when it does. Hugs - and keep on stampin'!

Unknown said...

I love your new look - and can only imagine that your graciousness and talent will shine through here.
Sorry for the tumult that preceded this move, but I firmly believe what goes around, comes around. You don't know when or where, but it will.

Unknown said...

When I came to you to design my blog banner, I KNEW I wanted you and someone else. Mistakenly, I typed in your old name with the .com and got that "other person's" blog and thought I had made a mistake. What a horrible thing to do to someone, I'm so glad you took the high road and are continuing on. You do great work, Beth, and I look forward to continuing to keep up with your amazing stuff.

Michelle Wooderson said...

Wow Beth, I checked the link and saw Michelle's information. Can this be true? This totally befuddles me as to why a fellow stamper and person in a similar business would want your domain names. I read the first part of her blog and it mentions that her designs are unique and one of a kind and that other blog banner designs are all looking the same. She must have you in mind when she makes these comments......seems odd that if her designs are so unique that she needs to purchase your domains with your original blog names. If she feels she is out of your league then why was she so intimated to purchase domains that would take away business from you. This just makes me very curious. Good topic for discussion, indeed.

But in light of all this...your new blog name and designs are fabulous! I wish you the BEST of luck with your business Bethie. There's room for everyone and I am certain that you will be gracious in all your business endeavors. HUGS!!!

Vicki G said...

Love your new Blog Beth!!!! You have handled this situation with the utmost of tact, diplomacy and grace.

Don't worry.............I believe that this despicable person is only calling bad Karma onto herself and really, it bites to be her!!!!!

Hugs,

Vicki

Karen Giron said...

Hi Beth - I'm so sorry you are having to change your web names, but I'm sure you will do fantastic in your new business! I enjoy seeing your work and I'll put your new web name down on my blog for 'shopping' too. Good luck to you!

Debbi said...

Way to go Bethie - turning lemons into lemonade!! I'm glad you were able to find the good in this, I'm just sorry for the pain that led up to it. LOVE LOVE LOVE your new banner - I wish you all the very best!!

blah said...

Beth,
I'm sorry this happened to you but I absolutely love the new look you've got going on. I checked out the other one and was really, really, really surprised at who did it. Wow, is all I can say!

Hang in there and just know that you are doing the right thing.

Anonymous said...

Love you Beth! I am so sorry this happened. Hope your business and design work thrive even more now!!
Beck

Jessie/knightrone said...

I am so sorry this happened to you!! People suck sometimes!!

Denise G said...

Sorry to hear you have had so much trouble... but so glad that you are not letting it stop you! I so enjoy your blog and talents. Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you for educating us as well. This has been very enlightening. The new blog looks fantastic!
Denise G

Dina Kowal Creative said...

Mean people suck! I still can't believe this whole thing happened. Glad you are continuing in grace. Best of luck.
Dina

Sherry Cheever said...

Bethie, I am giving you a standing ovation! FABULOUS NEW BLOG and SITE! You go girl!!!!!!!!!

Kristi said...

Beth I am sooo sorry to hear of this...As you were one of the first person I got to know in the stampin and blogging world....i will support YOU 110% and will help you in any way I can. I just LOVE you and your family and I am sooo sorry this has happened. BUT....Everyting happens for a reason and just trust in God to make this OK.....
HUGS to you as I KNOW you will prevail!

Valerie said...

*mwah* Love ya, Bethie!

Joining all the others wishing you the best and for being you!

Lyrical Stamper said...

Fortunately you are strong enough to make lemonade (you know "when life gives you lemons...). I plan on following you here. Best wishes.
Keep on, keeping on,
Mary Lou

Anonymous said...

Wow Beth! Talk about taking the high road. You are in the clouds!!! You are my Blog& Watermark girl and always will be!! You have held my hand and helped me so much with my Banners and Watermarks!! Walking me through the steps to actually use them!!! You never made me feel stupid for not knowing what to do with them once I had them:) I Luv that about you!!
I'm sure I'm in the special needs customer folder but that's okay!! You never made me feel that way:)...I just know if I was you that's exactly where I'd put me!!

Anonymous said...

I find it interesting that when you type in that web address now, it no longer links to her blog... Wonder why that is? (Sarcastic...) I bet she gotTON of "hate" mail as a result of her actions today. I am as always, humbled by watching your actions in the handeling of this situation. I can y hope that I would have half as much grace and dignity when facing a situation like this. Somehow, I don't think I would.

Anonymous said...

Beth, you are seriously amazing. I really doubt I could have handled the situation as well as you have! I think you're new blog will be fabulous :)

Jan Scholl said...

I tried to go to the website you said was taken and it only shows its parked. what does that mean as there is no actual site to go to. I updated my Google Reader and am off to maybe reserve my own web name too. I have no business or anything but one of my blogs has a unique name. thanks for the info.

Lisa said...

Mean people suck. Good for you on taking the high road, and the less stressful one as well. We had to go through one of these lawsuits once, not fun.

Here's to Freckled And Fun!

Gina Lindsay said...

Best of luck to you! I enjoy checking out your blog and will continue to do so. All I have to say is Karma!
Gina

Kar said...

Good for you Bethie!! I can't believe she owns so many domain names and that her "work" looks like yours in so many ways!!

Glad you took that CATastrophe and made it all better!!

Kar said...

love the new name and blog!!

I am so glad you turned this CATastrophe into something good!! Just amazing as Michelle said that her "original" work looks like yours!

Debbi T said...

Life's all about KARMA, Beth.....and she bites hard when she does bite! :)

You get what you put in....and people get what they deserve (yes, that's from Kid Rock - LOL!).

Here's to continued success to you - and to karma. *clinks glass with you* :)

Keep smilin' girlfriend!

Kelly Schelske said...

Oh my goodness Beth, I am so sorry to hear that someone would do that to you let alone a fellow stamper. I can't believe it!! Your new name, site and blog will be fantastic, just like you:-)

Kim Gasper said...

You've handled this so well, Beth! I just tried the other link to find out who was doing this (wouldn't want to inadvertently support this person in any way), and it's GONE! That's kharma for you! I will be contacting you soon to get my unique Freckled AND Fun banner made. Smiles and hugs to you!

Jayne said...

This is just wrong. I'm so sorry that there are people that are not just unethical but mean like this. I'm so sorry that someone as nice as you had to go through this, too. Thank you for choosing the high road and showing just who the better person is. Wow!

Michele Cronsell said...

Mean people s*ck. I'm glad you got your new site going. Don't let this get you down!

Rhonda Kelly said...

Beth I am so sorry to her about all this. It is a shame that people don't respect one another and try to steal away what you worked so hard to create. I loved your sites and I love your work and I am so glad that you are continuing on. I have updated my links and will continue to support your journey ahead.

Jennifer said...

Wow...talk about low-down. I'm sorry this happened to you. I've been reading your blog since I started stamping last year. I'll subscribe to this new one.

Anonymous said...

That makes me so sad to hear that! You are already in my google reader so that I come to the right place! The blogging world just wouldn't be the same without you....freckled AND fun!!! I'm looking forward to participating in your new blogging adventure!!
Cyber Hugs!!!!

lynn said...

I have just recently found your blog and am loving it. I am sorry to hear about having to change your blog. Bravo for you for doing what you love despite the actions of others. Good luck and I will continue to visit your new blog.

Melzie said...

I'm so sad for you-- really. I am not on SCS much, but I did go to your old one a lot- and I'm glad you didn't just go away.

Good luck- and keep on keeping on!!

Pamela said...

I just subscribed to your new blog. Wouldn't want to lose you.

susiebee said...

Beth it is sad to know that not everyone is honest and good. i am here 4 u and will look forward to all your new updates.. u rock dont let an ugly person bring you down..

susiebee said...

Beth it is sad to know that not everyone is honest and good. i am here 4 u and will look forward to all your new updates.. u rock dont let an ugly person bring you down..

kerri said...

Your new blog is bookmarked here and the old is gone.
OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW

You go girl

Candice said...

Beth - I just wanted to pop in and tell you how sorry I am that this happened to you and how unfortunate it is that we all have to learn a lesson like this - but you have handled it just beautifully - WAY TO GO, BETH!! And your new blog looks fabulous - you are SO talented!!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Oh my gosh, that's AWFUL! I'm terribly behind in my blog reading, but I just wanted to say I'm so sorry this happened to you. I just can't believe it. I LOVE your new name though! :) It's perfect for you! :) Big HUGS!

Krystie Lee said...

I've known about this situation for a while, and it's just disgusting that a fellow stamper would do such a thing. I noticed that she pulled her sites down at those urls. I'm glad for that, although I'm sad that more people won't know her identity now.

Your new blog is great!

Heartfelt Stamping said...

I've just heard about this awful situation on the In Love With Stamping website and hotfooted it over here to say, Bless you for rising above this horrible situation and forgiving the person who wronged you in such a sad way.
You have set a wonderful example to your fellow crafters - Christian, or not!

Miss Boo (a.k.a. jen70) said...

I am so sorry to hear of this happening to you. That really stinks.

Anonymous said...

I hate to hear about the problems with your previous blog but I do love the new name. I think Freckled and Fun actually sounds more upbeat. I'm just glad you are still here posting and I was able to find you!

Priscilla Heistad said...

Hi Beth,

I really have really enjoyed both your blog and your creations. I really admire you for taking the high road and moving on. It is a wise person who knows when to let something go. BTW, I believe you might have ultimately won your case, but it simply isn't worth the headache. Regards,
Priscilla

Mother Hen said...

Beth, while what the cat lady did was despicable and you had every right to react negatively, you have shown us all what a blessing grace and dignity can bring to our lives. Thank you for leading us up the high road.

Blessings to you,
Cyndi

PS - My little diversion off on a low rabbit trail; Her avatar has always reminded me of a witch and I could never stand to look at it for very long as it gives me the creeps! Sorry :-{

Rosie said...

Hi Beth, I heard about your troubles from a blogging pal. Nothing shocks me anymore and though it's disgusting, you've done absolutely the right thing. Please take some comfort from the fact that "what goes around, comes around..." She won't profit from what she's done (and if she does, it'll be temporary!), so good luck to you and Bravo! for retaining your style, class and integrity.
Rosie

Anonymous said...

i adore your new blog and designs! your honesty, integrity, openness, and style...so classy...is appreciated and commended! as if you needed one more thing on your plate! the time it took for you to switch everything, the money and efforts..heartbreak...all caused by one individual...so sad...yet, you rose so far above it!!! what a woman you are indeed!!! your friends, family, and even your blog family are here for you for support and love!!!
chelle

Julie Allain said...

Hi Beth

I just want to wish you Good Luck, I think it's awful what happened to you and has made me very paranoid about the safety of my own blogs

I wish you all the best

Julie x

Trudee said...

Kudos to you, Bethie! When I first heard of this "situation" I sat at my computer, dumbfounded. You know that saying..."When someone shows you their true colors, believe them." It was hard to believe.

I'm sorry you had to learn this painful lesson, and I applaud you for choosing a name that embodies all that you are. You are simply the best, and I love ya honey!!!

xoxoxo

Cassie said...

W.O.W.
That's really horrible but I want you to know that no matter who may own a domain name - YOU will always be FRECKELD and FUN to me!! I wish you all the best!! And someday, I'll have some extra dollars to hire you to jazz up my own blog!!

Lori Craig said...

You go girl....glad to see you back in action! :)

Chriss Rollins said...

How low can one stoop.
glad you have moved on and up.
love from chriss x

Meda said...

I am sorry to hear what happened. I was just looking for a blog in my blog roll list and I found your note about closing down.

 

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