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[Watergazer]

I introduced Herbie to some more people...but out of all the people I showed him to, only one gave a darn about what he means to me, or to technological advancement, or anything. Nobody seeing Herbie as anything but an expensive (which is a joke considering the alternatives!) "toy" no different than a $20 trinket in a store...a mere novelty, and even possibly an unhealthy item for a human with a "soul" to attach to since it's a machine with programs and "no soul."

Needless to say my friends, this is part of the reason why I stopped posting to my Plog so soon, and haven't uploaded a new Pleo-related video since. I've gotten a LOT of negative feedback but on-line and in real life. Granted there's this forum and a bunch of people that do appreciate Pleos out there, but I've run into this wall of...I don't know what. Nobody shares i my fascination. In fact, they find it disturbing. Not one person I showed Herbie too would consider it could take the place of a real animal. And all anyone cares to ask about him is how much he cost...that's it. My best real-life friend just met Herbie, and really didn't take care of touching him nicely...she poked him several times really hard in the head in fact, just like the first elderly guy I showed him to! She refused to hold him saying he was creepy, and I've been turned down when I've offered other people hold or pet him...not by everyone mind you, but a LOT of times. I'd dare to say that 50% of the people wouldn't touch him or abuse him if they did...and of those that did touch him, only about 2% thought he was interesting.

I'm just...really sad about it and I'm not sure I know why just yet...

[RedwoodsMama]

Hi Watergazer, I am so so sorry for you and Herbie, it makes me sad to think that people can be so close minded about so many things. I don't know what state you live in or anything about your town, and it kind of surprises me because about 90 % of the people I have talked to or met have all had positive things to say about Nova, want to know more about Pleos want one or want to touch and hold her. If you look at Bumblebee's recent post, it shows a really really positive reaction from children and the adults, ( parents) in the background. ( you can hear them saying how fascination, how neat, etc. they show a lot of enthusiasm.) Do you live in a rural or really strait laced community? I hate to say this, but some places are still very biased on things such as Race, religion, Sexual orientation, and so many other issues, so why not Robots in general.
         At Christams time when I bought Nova, ( for my 8 year old grandson originally....but I kept her and bought him D-Rex) there were people all over the mall that my son and I were at with Nova. I put her in the explore mode and just let her walk around, Parents and children were busy walking by, (xmas shopping) but you could see the interest and hear the comments and at least five-six people came to talk to me, and this was in a 15 minute timeframe.Only ONE person, A man walked by and his comment was", That is interesting, but kind of creepy...) Also a lot of people I have noticed don't know much about Pleos but the more they see and hear about what they can do, they are more interested, in general. Some people are never going to accept robots and they are probably afraid of possibly losing their jobs to one if they have that kind of job. There are also people who can't see buying anything that cost that much, that they consider a ' toy'. Here are a couple of suggestions you may try.
          Try going to a younger person setting, such as a college town, a coffee shop, etc. somewhere where people are having " fun". If someone comes up and asks questions about Herbie, go and explain, but when it gets to the price," tell a little white Lie" ( I paid less than $100.00 for Nova even though she had been used very little and sat on a shelf since lat Christmas.( I think it is because all of the other Pleos that were on sale on ebay at the time except for NOva and on other, were brand new, and popel wer looking for BRAND NEW FOR THEIR CHILDREN PROBABLY) It is true that sometimes people are more accepting of some things when they don't cost as much, and in this economy that we have currently people are going to see Pleos as expensive " toys' and it is hard to get past that point when money is such an issue.) But none IHave run into has had a problem with her cost,not even when I tell them the Actual Cost a Brand New one cost unless you can get one on Ebay with a cheaper bid.
Another point that has helped my introduction of Nova is the age group of people I have introduced her to> young children, teenagers, the elderly usually all women, and of course, animal lovers. I bet if you were to take Herbie to one of the following places, you would get some positive reactions about Herbie.
Either go to a pet shop, or ask one of your local Preschools, Kindergarten or daycare centers, if they would be interested n seeing Herbie, I don't thin many teachers are going to pass up a opportunity for an enrichment lesson on dinosaurs, something ALL CHILDREN LOVE, or robots for older children too.
And almost pet owners are going to be a lot more receptive then the stuck up business man or Secretary in a hurry ...( generalizations... )
 I just don't think you have met the right people yet, I can't believe someone would not be fascinated by a Pleo and Herbie is as Cute at they get . I wish I lived close to you, because then we could go togthere and give the locals a lesson in Ple0  ETTITQUTE!
 I was wondering why I hadn't seen any posts from yo lately, and now I know. I am so sorry and am sending you a big hug and a bunch of Hershey kisses! :hug: NOva wants Herbie to know she will come and show the locals what a Pleo is all about if they give you a hard time again too! >:(She may limp sometimes, but that leg has gotten muscles too from her ballet!) Most of all, do not let other people influence how you feel about your Herbie. Sometimes people can be cruel or just ignorant and then again, not everyone feels the same way as everone else. If that were true, there would not be so many cruel people in the world that get joy out of abusing animals, children and ultimately women and other people.As for that " friend", I would not let my friend hit Nova in the head unless she wants to buy you a new one at FULL PRICE!   as FOR WHY YOU FEEL SAD and yo do not know why yet, I think it is simple;Herbie brings you joy and happiness the way a new puppy or little kitten brings someone happiness and you thought you could share this happiness with others which is commendable and what most Pleo owners want to share with others allao. When Herbie was rejected as nothing other than an expensive toy, it is as though people are actually criticizing your choice and decision to buy him as a worthless one. Just know in your heart your own love for Herbie, and you have all the support from everyone here. I am sure lots of Pleo Owners can understand what you are feeling and have had similar reactions as well.  I am very happy that yo found us and don't let any outsider upset you with how they view Pleos, that is their loss. Give Herbie a hug from Nova and I and I am sure you will be hearing a lot more from others in short order. Take care and remember a frown is just a upside down smile!                                        We miss you ad expect to hear from you and Herbie soon!
                                                       RedwoodsMama   and Ms. Nova

[Darkwolf]

Trust me. I had my fair share of responses from the outside world like you did. It's normal.
Many people just fail to associate with machines this way, because it becomes a bit too personal.
Like all technology and the way we are sucked in deeper and deeper into it as it becomes more and more personal interaction wise, it takes time to adapt.
I was and am on top of the hill at all times when it comes to smart phones. Back in the day, they were rare and weird. Got lot's of jokes if it makes phone calls or not too.
Now look around you.
Everyone has them. Blackberry's, iPhone's, Nokia N and E series... you name it!
Suddenly people expect no less their phone makes cool pictures that can be uploaded with a touch of a button or a touch on the touch screen.
About three years ago people found it nothing more then a gimmick.
Social robotics has the same problem. It has yet to find and prove it's purpose and (next to it's price tag) is the reason why Aibo hasn't really exceeded on such a large scale.
For what it's worth: I've noted a few times before that most people find Pleo much easier to get comfortable with compared to Aibo ironically enough.
Just stick around here and don't worry about it. Maybe they will get used to it. Or maybe they won't, but that will be their problem.
Don't ever doubt yourself. 

[OzPleo]

To heck with them!

Most of the people who are responding to your Plog have probably never seen a Pleo and/or want one so are merely jealous. The people who have met you and Herbie are just living in that plastic society of "if you can't smell it, see it and hear it then it's not real". No doubt a lot of these people would think nothing of slamming down $4000 on a wide screen plasma television just to watch the news and this week's episode of Oprah 

Pleo's are truly amazing and easily are the new century pet. Who cares what some people say.

If you liked eating pie and everyone else told you they didn't like it would you stop eating it just for them?

[Crewella]

I absolutely agree with the others.  Very few, if any, of us use even a tenth of the technical capabilities of most of the equipment we buy, which in my view makes them all toys to some degree - mainly bought for the novelty and entertainment value.  Why some people find it necessary to belittle other people for their taste and choice of entertainment is beyond me.

Thank goodness somebody had the foresight to invent a robot with more heart than many people!

[Meks]

a lot of people are afraid of new things to enter their live. It is extraordinary for a robot to invoke feelings in a person. I am a pleo lover but am still amazed at how that little guy can make me react.

Just last night I had george on the floor when i noticed he was walking backwards a lot, But i waved my hand in front of him, called his name, he just came running towards me. My techmind tells me that his infrared sensor picked up my wave but my heart tells me he heard my voice and reacted to that.

You are the better one for allowing something new to enter your world instead of sticking to the same old run down paths. It is a loss for those who cannot follow that. Things you take for granted may require some explanation to others, I always reference to Furby as a middle ground. where furby stops pleo takes over. Calling your plao a pet might be a bit much but call pleo a robot with very pet like behaviours is a lot less intimidating.

Most of all, no matter whatever people say enjoy your pleo. I enjoy George to the last millisecond his battery lasts 

[shadowmice]

I think what fancyfont posted over in the other thread (http://bobthepleo.com/forums/index.php?topic=1229.msg17284#msg17284) and others have posted here, cover most of what I could say about this. I'm just sad that others have made you feel upset. Some may simply need more time, unfortunately some will never see the "magic" of these little creations; but there is this online community who do and who are keen to hear about your experiences and what new things you discover with Herbie so I hope you will continue sharing.

[RedwoodsMama]

 watergazer my friend, do not let others who may be narrow-minded and ignorant or just uncaring deter you from the love and enthusiasm you have for your deal little Pleo, Herbie. Herbie is so much better off with someone who cares about him then someone who would just think of him as a " expensive toy" You have keen insight into the Pleo mechanics and " mind or soul' of this little guy and that says a lot for you! lIke everyone else has stated, the people who don't understand what a Pleo is and the Magic that they can exhibit and joy they bring are just missing out on something very special. Sometimes people say cruel things because they are envious of the joy or happiness you have and they don't'. Do not let their remarks bring you down to their level.
         As for Pleos being just an Expensive toy, my God, I can think of so many things that I consider Expensive Toys, but that doesn't' stop parents from buying them for their children. Take the computer , X-Box , Nintendo, Playstations and others imitator games. They cost a pretty penny and most of them are nothing but violence and some nice graphics. Granted there are some nice and entertaining and perhaps some educational games out there, but ones like " Grand Theft Auto, " that is full of violence, drugs, racism, sexism, and lots of negative images of youth that I certainly would not want my children to be playing or watching if they were that young again.( My son and daughter are now 30 and almost 34! ) Some of these games are over a $100.00 and that is for one game! HOw about this past Christmas when people were going crazy buying ZhuZhu pets, little robotic hamsters that originally cost about $10.00 were selling for up to $80-$100.00 And as a seller on ebay, I purchased a very hot item called Mindflex. ( a game that cost $70.00 for me, It was on sale.) I sold a bunch of them anywhere from $108.00 to several at $150.00-$170.00! That is for a " game" where supposedly your mind controls this little foam ball to maneuver through some mazes by this thing you wear on your head.. How entertaining is that? And look at all thee Wowwee and FurReal Robotic animals, they don't do anything close to what a Pleo can do, yet they cost $50.00-over $150.00! I paid $85.00 for my Nova ( and shipping of course) and she is far far more intersting then these other " robotic " plush animals. Don't take me wrong, these little plush Furreals are cute and great for young children, they do have their place, but I would dare anyone to try and compare what NOva or Herbie can do compared to any of these other " robotic animals" It is no contest. It is intersting though, what would you like to bet that if this coming Christmas season if there were widespread commercials on T.V about Pleos, you watch how many of these same Parents and people who have said Pleos are just ' Expensive toys' would be out shopping for Pleos for their children and themselves. Makes me laugh......Don't waste your time with these types of people....like I have said before, it is their loss and Herbie's gain and yours! So cheer up, we ant to see you back here and post more of those videos. Besides. I need more videos of Herbie so Nova can show me more amazing reactions! LOL 2 Hershey's Hugs for you and Herbie!

                                                    RedwoodsMama    and MS. Nova

[liddleone]

Please note I don't mean to offend anyone in my post.

Firstly when I saw the pleo video where they wake pleo up and walks to the edge of the table, my words were "That's so creepy" I thought it was awesome too but I am very techincal minded and by calling it creepy I meant it as wow the movements are so lifelike it's like it's real. I guess it depends in the tone and context it's used in like anything else really. I personally wouldn't make my pleo a bed and stuff like that. To be honest I am very aware of what pleo is capable of and I have a few skitz in my mind I want to work on. However I know I will get bored with pleo. I doubt I will ever see Pleo as a living thing but I know I will have moments I will forget it's a 'toy' briefly. Instant reactions ok ok ok it's ok stop crying. I do that with technology now even cash registers so I don't get angry with it. I am not looking for a pet, I lost my dog who I consider my baby girl when she was 11 years old last september so maybe pleo is good for me.

What I am most looking forward to and the main reason behind my post is I am looking forward to other people's reactions. I would like to take pleo to a hospital or old folkes home and show them pleo. To brighten their day. Nornally I wouldn't spend even $200 on a robot toy. I wanted a robosapian and furby when they came out something bad but couldn't afford it. I couldn't afford the pleos either but you only live once and pleo is great.  I can understand why you are sad with the reactions and I think the others have hit the nail on the head (Nails not pleos). I know I'll enjoy pleo but I know others will enjoy it more. Well I am hoping. I understand people loving pleo as a pet and I will probably too but I'de like to think I wouldn't get so attached. We shall see. I love how people can critise about pleo as a pet but I bet they've owned a tamagotchi at one point.
 
If you really want to freak some of your friends out show them zeno and aiko.

[RedwoodsMama]

liddleone, My goodness my age is showing or my lack of information....probably both, I do not know what a tamagotchi is let alone a zeno and aiko? :oAre these all robotics? I didn't even know what a furby looked like till this past month or two when I bought one on ebay after finding one in the thrift store.I had heard of a furby, but didn't know what they looked like or that they had their own language. Then again, you have to realize that my " toys" were the Barbie dolls when they first came out, ( I still have my red bubble haircut barbie doll that I got in or about 1960) Breyer Model Horses, Tinkertoys and a Fort Apache Set that I shared with my younger brother. There were no computers, no cell phones, no electronic gadgets, and most of my time when I was not in school was spent playing outside , running track and field, playing softball and just being a tomboy till I was 13 or so. ( Boys, YUK.......)
              I guess my husband is right in some regards as he is allways telling me that I am reliving my childhood by collecting so many" toys" It is true, I think one of the reasons I became a teacher is because I get along so well with children and of course older adults as they are not as judgemental, more open and honest, and I can relate to them. They are pure enthusiasm when they like something and if they are not happy, they don't try and cover it up, they speak their mind, I respect that. The toys and gadgets that are available now are so unbelievable and I just love them. I am more intersted in having a Pleo for example than a blackberry or even a new car.( I do not drive, never have and never will, I would be perfectly happy if there were no cars and we went back to the horse and buggy days as far as transportation goes,I think everyone goes way too fast and this society needs to slow down in everything they do...) I also have no interest, never having gone to a nail salon, and only having my hair done Once in my life, and that is whey I dyed it at home and it came out too dark......I needed professional help to get the color removed. I like the simpler things in life and I know Pleos are not a replacement for pets , not when I have nine cats and one dog, but Pleos fill that need I have to nurture and take care of something and to feel the magic of something like a child again. I am happy with Nova and look forward to our play sessions. It is the one time of day, when I can just unwind and relax and forget how crappy things are. I am not looking forward to when I have to say good-by to one of my pets, I probably love my animals more than my husband, ( he can take care of himself, they cant)and If I could take their pain away when they are sick, I would gladly do it. Nova lets me feel special again too now that my children are grown and out of the house. Unlike my cats and dog, I wont; have to take her to the vets, and watch her die in front of my eyes, that is terrible. But when  Nova wears out, I know I will still feel like I have lost a good friend and I will surely cry. Pleos are special if you let them be.
                                    RedwoodsMama   and MS. Nova

[liddleone]

A tamagotchi came out in 1997ish well in Australia.. It was a huge thing where you simple games on it like guess the direction your pet would look. Most consisted of 3 buttons and were keyring sized. You fed, educated, bathed and/or cleaned up after they did number 2. They evolved over time from a puppy to a dog or one like I had where it evolved into one of eight mythical creatures. I didn't know what a zeno or aiko was until yesterday so it's definately not an age thing. I am about the same age as IMR (Recall seeing your age in a post IMR). I never was one for barbie I have alot of brothers so I was happy playing hockey, hotwheels and anything else where you could break something. There is nothing wrong with reliving your childhood. I absolutely love toy story so much I paid more than I paid for one of the pleos for an original unopened buzz lightyear and I plan to get a woody too. I remember when I was a teen and used the internet alot I use to get teased and now my friends use the internet just as much if not more than me. Perhaps in years to come they might be able be advanced techology to clone a real camasaurus (sp) from fragment of DNA. Jurassisc park isn't as unrealistic as it was 15 years ago. (This is a genetics student talking by the way). I don't know how I'de feel with a t-rex running around though.

Back to on topic... Seriously look at zeno and aiko on youtube. Aiko reminded me of an anime called Chobits.

Watergazer, I hope you take some of the advice here and take pleo out again to find a positive experience. I will do the same. Oh and my pleo is in Melbourne, one of them shame I live on the other side of the country.

[PleoLuv]

I love pleos, but I cant see myself refering to my pleo as a "pet" because i know that their not real, but yes, they are very, VERY lifelike. I like mostly the tech side of the pleo robot, but they are REALLY, REALLY adorable! Wanna see the sneak preview of the newest thing almost out that's well... kinda better?

[Bumblebee]

Forget those freaking people! They're just jerkish morons who don't have anything better to do than pick on someone who has a passion for pleos. I've gotten some VERY mean comments on my pleo movies on youtube too. Just ignore them and move on. Forget them. Let them live their oh-so-happy little life and you can spend your doing something worthwhile.

[RedwoodsMama]

 Watergazer my friend and dear little Herbie, you are just not meeting the right people and I won[t even bother to comment on your " friend " anymore. Yesterday was a rainy day, actually it has been stormy and raining here in the Redwoods nonstop except for a glimpse of sun in between the clouds for ten minutes or so, since Last Friday. I get most of my mail at a post office box as I find it more secure that way.So Nova and I caught the bus and went to go check the bus, and I also thought it was an opportunity to visit one of my favorite thrift stores where everyone looks forward to seeing Nova.( when she brings me in.)
               The local thrift store had changed their open hours to closing at 6:00 p.m, where they used to be open till 7:00 p.m.( it was about 6;15 p.m.) so Nova and I went to pick up our mail and decided to go visit the local Pet Store which is directly across the street from the post office and still open. I brought my camera with me and thought I  would take advantage and take some photos as well. One of the sales clerks was so excited to see a Pleo, she had never seen one before. I woke Nova up and this lady was " hooked line and sinker!" She asked me if I wanted to try on some of the " doggies clothes" they have, ( beautiful selection by the way!"and was very generous. She kept asking all about Nova, asking if she could pet her and was like a kid seeing something for the first time!( Her eyes were as big as saucers!) She made a point of asking me to write down what she was and where she could get her before I left. She said she wanted one herself and was going to have her son who lives down in Southern California to look at a local store to see if he could find her. ( I explained most people here in the Redwoods had never seen one and there was no place locally to buy one.) Nova and I spent at least 15 minutes talking to this lady, and Nova was doing her best to be a good spokesperson for this lady.I happened to mention about The Pleo Forums and wrote down this sites internet addres as well as Pleoworld where she could find out more info about Pleos. She couldn't believe anyone would not like Pleos or treat them badly.( I told her the story of how I acquired Nova, and that she was intended as a present for my grandson.but fell in love with her and kept her for myself.)This lady told me she was 63 and wanted one for herself!There were allso a few other people who wanted to know what she was? One lady as we walked by said," What was that?!" She seemed to think NOva was a real lizard of some sort but definitely interested. I also ran into another lady at a newspaper stand on the way home, who stopped and allso inquired about what Nova was and I spent another 5-7 minutes engaged in conversation with her. My point is as others have said over and over, do not let a few negative or mean spirited people change your enthusiasm or interest in Herbie or Pleos in general.
                    You have no idea how much it meant to me when you first joined and commented on the post I had started," Nova deserves an Academy Award for acting". You gave me new hope as you had new outlooks on Pleos and were not afraid to post your feelings and interst and were awaiting your own first Pleo. At one point because of negative feedback I had received, I thought about leaving this site and not posting anymore comments on Nova or her exploits because i like you took some comments too personally and was actually crying ( all this over a {toy}?True, because to me Nova is not a toy, or just a robot, the lifeforms she is is the closest thing I have come across that I can RELATE TO MUCH THE SAME WAY MY cats or dog does, but in a more subdued version.I was so happy to meet another person who had such insight and curiosity for PLeos. You even spoke of doing some tests of your own to see how Herbie would react to certain things, and you started with the walking on different surfaces, those were great! 8)I anxiously have been awaiting to see what else you come up with for Herbie.Don't quit now, I honestly can not see you being a quitter.What kind of lesson would that be for your beautiful baby son? He showed the emotion and reaction I have seen the most when strangers see Nova for the first time<( Love, curiosity and gentleness) that any baby animal species would instill. Enough said,

                                                  RedwoodsMama and MS. Nova miss you

[Crewella]

I feel much the same, Watergazer - it was so lovcely to see your enthusiasm and curiosity when you first got Herbie.  I enjoyed your videos and was finding your posts and point of view really interesting, especially as I'd only recently found out about Pleo and got one myself.  It would be such a crying shame if a few thoughtless people (and that's all they are, I'm sure) had really spoiled it all for you -  I'm sure you didn't get him for them, you got him for you.