hotmessization
Offline
Wheeling, WV

So, yea, this is former username hotmess. I reregistered as hotmessization, my new handle. I'm sorry if this causes any confusion, especially with those I have been PMing with.

The reason for me changing my name:

I've been an active musician in Pittsburgh for over a year under the name Hot Mess. Somebody else in Pittsburgh back in September decided that she wanted to start an electronic dance night called Hot Mess. She contacted me asking if it was okay, to which I said "No." She said that she's using it anyways. Hot Mess was my identity. It was a part of who I was. As the night continued, I kept getting e-mails and messages about shows that I wasn't a part of because some stubborn bitch wanted to start a night with the same name as a musician she knew existed for nine months before (she came up with the name after seeing me perform at the Anamanaguchi show). After receiving a Facebook invitation for "Hot Mess featuring Mary Mack" I just got fed up with the whole thing and contacted her again asking her to change it. When she said she absolutely wouldn't, I just decided that I really need to change my name before I go insane.

I love being Hot Mess. It's who I am. It's a part of my identity. I really don't want to change my name, but I feel like I have to since this person absolutely will not give in to changing her stupid fucking dance night at a place I perform at.

Sorry for the profanity, but this is something that just gets to me.

Subway Sonicbeat
Offline
Brazil

Don't change your and storm into her, get the beers and never pay the bill there. And hijack the sound, making it play your songs. Make her go bankrupt. Don't let her win.

BetaSynapse
Offline
Cambridge, MA

That's whacked. Why the crap did she even ask if she was going to use the name anyways? You should just let as many people as you can know about the problem and hopefully get a small army on your side. =/

calmdownkidder
Offline
Liverpool, UK

LET'S FUCKING RAGE

CONTACT DETAILS, NOW.

hotmessization
Offline
Wheeling, WV

It was mentioned on a show on WRCT. I didn't hear it, but they were backing me.

I'm just done bothering with the whole thing. hotmessization is a more unique name anyways, so it works.

I'm planning on opening one of my next shows with slides and my Game Boy narrating it.

Something along the lines of:

"hotmessization - n, The process in which one becomes a hot mess.

Known causes for hotmessization:
Break ups
Death of a loved one
Getting fired
Alcohol
Hipster chicks stealing your name to use as a dance night at The Brillobox."

arlen
Offline

Tell her to go back to the kitchen and stop trying to make music.

hehehe.

akira^8GB
Offline
New York City

Drama

Axolotl
Offline
SF

I always thought Hot Mess was a terrible name anyways.


















Jk.

herr_prof
Offline
Unsubscribe

Yea thats what happens when you come up with a not too clever name. Which is why I dont record as mathletes anymore big_smile. Im not sure i like the newer name cause it doesnt pass the SCREAMING OUT TO HOT GIRLS INA LOUD BAR coherence test.

nonfinite
Offline
Madison, WI

Erm... can't you trademark Hot Mess?


Edit:  Yup, you can.  There are currently two trademarks for "hot mess", one is in shoes and the other is in tanning products.  My recommendation is that you register your name, Hot Mess, in the category of music production and performance, then send her a C&D.

As long as you have a registered trademark put into place before she does, and your products are similar enough to cause confusion (which it obviously could in this case, I can open a fast food restaurant called Nike but if I get into the shoe biz I'm in trouble,) you're legally in the right.  Actually, once you have a trademark you're obligated by law to reinforce your right as the trademark owner.

Here's hoping you decide to take the next step and register.

Last edited by nonfinite (Mar 8, 2010 3:38 pm)

Bit Shifter
Offline
Brooklyn NY US
nonfinite wrote:

Erm... can't you trademark Hot Mess?

Shit's expensive!

(isn't it?)

nonfinite
Offline
Madison, WI

It depends.  You can register in-state for under $100 usually.  Since this woman is operating in the same area as you it would provide the protection you needed.

NO CARRIER
Offline
GNV / FL / USA
nonfinite wrote:

There are currently two trademarks for "hot mess", one is in shoes and the other is in tanning products.

Haha, I had to google that:

calmdownkidder
Offline
Liverpool, UK

DO IT!

inb4 kickstarter to pwn this silly girl!

BetaSynapse
Offline
Cambridge, MA

Yea, you should do it. I mean, $100 isn't that bad I guess, and you get to stick it to her and shove the legal docs in her face. Never Surrender!

Princess
Offline
Austin, TX

hah, based on the thread title I was going to come in here to commiserate and be all "I understand, it's been hard on me too."

while it's bullshit & frustrating that some hipster chick stole your artist name & kind of forced you to get a new one... I like Hotmessitization better. 

And if it's pissing you off, frustrating you, or seeming to be a big deal/ make your life harder?  Then think about the endless train of bullshit involved with changing your actual name (like I did several months ago), and how many more people have to do that on a daily basis. (not to marginalize your situation or anything)