| From Computer Times Magazine Dec 2003 We get plenty of books crossing our desks at Computer Times looking for a review and possible Editor's Choice award but nothing has ever peaked our interest as much as the book VIRTUAL HUMANS by Peter Plantec...this book and CD package is the fist of its kind and a landmark on par with the first build-your-own -Web-site products...A fascinating book with mind boggling opportunities. A great read, a great gift, or a great career move. Your choice, our Editor's Choice. |
From Stragegic Finance Magazine Dec 2003 "Peter's book is fascinating to read, even if you aren't into avatar building, his style is conversational and entertaining. And what you'll learn about these embodied agents is worth the time spent in their world of circuits and simulations. After all, they will be showing up with greater frequency in our real world." Let's hope the Venture folks take heede and start investing in our companies. |
I've Been Fortunate
Virtual humans has garnered more than it's fair share of great press. I want to thank the kind reviewers who have taken the time to review my book. Being a journalist myself, I know that it takes time to review a book as I used to do it myself. I also know that when looking for information on a book, I usually look here in the press page to see if it's for the press or just to show off some good press. I'd like to make this both.
Journalists
If you need a legitimate review copy you can get one via my PR person at Amacom books. Her name is Irene Majuk (pronounced Magic) and you can reach her here. I hope you enjoy reading Virtual Humans as much as I did writing it.
Want to see what readers are saying about Virtual Humans?
My favorite place to visit to see how the book is coming over is Amazon. They've been selling the book well and lots of people have taken the time to make interesting comments. Clearly the book has attracted a very diverse crowd. Average Review: 
A Good read, even for non-techies! , January 12, 2004
| Reviewer: Peter C. Cavelti from Toronto, Canada |
Let me say two things first: I have no intention of creating my own V-person any time soon, and, unline the author, I don't look forward to the day when virtual humans make up a good part of my life.
So why do I give Peter Plantec's book five stars? Because in taking us on a tour of the technology of virtual humans, he makes us take a thorough look at ourselves. In his unusually engaging and humorous style, Plantec confronts us with the chemistry of our own minds and, by doing so, explores what being human really is. I expected a crusty scientific treatise; I got an eminently readable text that made me smile while learning.
Here Come the Virtual Professors! , January 10, 2004
| Reviewer: Charles S. Knode Professor from LaPlata, MD United States |
NLP merging era of AI for applications , January 5, 2004
| Reviewer: from Amber, OK United States |
Achieving my Childhood Dream :) , December 16, 2003
| Reviewer: from Bratislava, Slovakia |
I got lot of books about 3D modeling in my shelves, but this is only one that shows not only how create shell but ghost too. This book will guide you step by step how trough creation of complex virtual human with her own personality. If you ar fan of Bladerunner or Ghost in The Shell and dreaming abot your own Virtual Human this book is a must...
A Slab of Mind Sushi , December 15, 2003
| Reviewer: Bob Stanley from Durango, CO USA |
Virtual humans is a visionary tour of a technology which is already making its mark and is certain to have a profound impact on how humans interact with the world of bits. Plantec accomplishes this without any of the over reaching fantasy and wishful thinking of many futurists, yet spells out the dramatic effects virtual humans will soon have on our lives. Plantec explores not only the technological implications, but the moral and societal ramifications of this emerging field. With a fascinating tour of the history of all the streams which have come together, Plantec delivers a road map of the virtual future.
Or does he? Virtual Humans is really a detailed technical manual for using this technology to build and design virtual characters. To those already proficient at coding v-people, Plantec adds layers of wisdom on how to make them funny, engaging and, in short, human. He delivers the tech detail and highly usable techniques without falling into the tech manual automaton mode which keeps most of us from ever RTFM (Reading the .. Manual).
Oh really. Virtual Humans is actually a profound look into our own minds. We discover how personalities differ, what motivates them and how they express themselves. Anyone who reads this book without making discoveries about their own character and personality and those of others, may need to seek Plantec's help on a professional basis.
So which is it? The answer is all of the above. Plantec has managed to deliver a usable and readable tech manual, a visionary peek at the future and an engaging examination of the human psyche. His quirky but charming wit pervades and makes this book an excellent read for anyone interested in humanity, virtual or otherwise.
Thanks Peter....
A headlight on the road to the Future! , December 12, 2003
| Reviewer: david hanson from Los Angeles, CA United States |
Walk in the park. , December 10, 2003
| Reviewer: Anne Kootstra from The Netherlands |
With his humorous way of writing and the brilliant anecdotes it feels more like taking a quiet stroll through a park while listening to the author speak then actually ... well.. reading I'd have to say. There certainly wasn't any effort from my part to go through the material.
Somewhat experienced AIML developers will certainly appreciate the first part of the book that deals with virtual character development. Of course, chapter 17, dedicated to this particular scripting technology, is certainly one that gives a good overview of the online AIML community.
3D developers will find Peter's chapters on human representation, and some of the guest writers' contributions, practical in creating realistic facial animation. Blending his classical psychology education with personal observation of human behaviour. Not only saying how, but also why to implement a particular effect.
Like a Screenplay , November 25, 2003
| Reviewer: Tracy Wynn from CO |
As a screenwriter with 30+ years experience, I found that Peter's interpretation of character and backstory to be a perfect primer for my craft as well!
To be truly creative, one must always consider depth when creating character, and Peter has and he's done this in Virtual Humans very, very well. If you believe, as I, that the future in entertainment is digital, this book should serve you well indeed.
Exceptional Book , November 25, 2003
| Reviewer: A reader from Atlanta, GA USA |
Here are Just Two Quotes from the Press 
Note this one took me by complete surprise. It's a magzine for venture capitol folks. It got a full page color review! This is a small experpt.