[.ca] Paint Shop Pro 8 Zero to Hero (ISBN 1590592387)

Zero to None? This book sure is not the best by far.:
Paint Shop Pro 8 Zero to Hero is in my opinion clearly written by armatures who have little (if any) formal training in graphic arts and design. Most of the information in the book is easily found for free on the Internet on Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop tutorial sites, and in newsgroups. In my opinion the authors struggle in the unique and creative departments, flaunting no originality at all, opting instead to just regurgitate what is found for free elsewhere. Their knowledge of digital photography and photo editing is lacking in professionalism. Some of the recommended techniques simply do not work as advertised. The book cover's use of the term 'Professional' is seriously misleading because the content is no where near that level of knowledge. If anything their own uncertainly of the proper processes has meant missing information that will only serve to confuse new users when they try to work on images of their own. I have purchased many of the Friends of Ed books in the past and have always been satisfied, and figured the new publisher would be similar in 'content quality'. I will not make that mistake again. Paint Shop Pro 8 Zero to Hero is a major disappointment, and in no way does the information presented reflect the power of the features added to Jasc's outstanding Paint Shop Pro 8 graphics program. Sure the colored images are nice, but I mostly buy books for learning and this book does not cut it at all. If you are looking for a good book on digital photography, and editing/repairing your photos in Paint Shop Pro 8 do yourself a favor and purchase Paint Shop Creations -- Demystifying Digital Photography by Dave Huss who is a veteran photographer that actually knows what he is talking about and therefore offers you information above the 'ground floor level' advice that is offered in Paint Shop Pro 8 Zero to Hero which even a beginner will find too basic. If you are looking for an all around beginners book, there are none for Paint Shop Pro 8 that really fit the bill. Wait a while for the books that were not rushed out the door and waited for the newest release of Paint Shop Pro 8 (8.10)

PSP8 from the Foundation on up:
What a fabulous foundation Sally and Ron have put together regarding PSP8.. worth the $'s spent. It is my opinion that this book is a must read for anyone that is interested in PSP8 and it's potential. What I enjoyed about this book, you get a good feel of each of the newest features and a little tutorial on how to accomplish a task. Each section offers a new quest and learning curve... I may know a lot about PSP8... but this book fills in those questionable areas... This book seemed to add that extra punch I needed to get on that next level of expertise. Well written... No CD's.. You have to buy the book and read if you want the extra's that compliment each chapter.

Great companion book for PSP 8:
This book is just full of excellent explanations and visuals. A great quick reference that is not too difficult for a beginner and well worth the price for the digital darkroom information alone. I certainly don't agree with the vitriolic review above about the "armatures" writing the book. My opinion is that it is quite professionally done and I would certainly buy another book written by these two. Keep up the good work Ron, Sally, and FOE(Apress).

Excellent resource:
This is by far the most definitive book that has been published to date for Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8. This is a must read for anybody wanting to get up to speed on this great graphic program. Not only is this book very well written, but the authors are extremely well versed in their subject matter. The best $20 that I have spent in a long long time.

Delighted, impatient and already halfway thru the book.:
I have taken classes and purchased books since my first PaintShopPro7 graphics and I believe I have the entire library of KISS, IDIOT or DUMMY books on PSP8. This book, informative & including terrific tutorials, is written in a style that draws the reader in, makes him a willing participant and never makes him feel incompetent. I strongly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn and understand their computer and photo graphics.