'So to see the press crying crocodile tears over Jackson’s death is repellent.'

Whilst I hear your plea, please do not forget the first rule of media - bring in income. Media is simply providing fodder and succour to the outpourings of grief from the public. But these are not the general public. These are humans whose spirit and sense of belonging have been deeply touched by aligning themselves to Jackson's lyrics, early life experience or both. This is why you and I are others are disassociated to this outpouring. We have not been touched as others have (no pun intended).

There are similarities between the outpouring of grief for Diana and Jackson. Both were perceived by their adorators that they were estranged from a supporting family, they made their own way in the world, they took on what others found repellent (Diana - land mines and their effect; Jackson - racial issues).

There are those that find solace and safety in befriending a celebrity instead of a person. A celebrity can never disappoint, are always glamorous, and are always at a distance.

I will be 49 in November. Both Princess Diana and Michael Jackson were in my age-range. When each died before their time, I was shocked, but not surprised. Celebrity life-style of fast cars, drugs and eating disorders, to name a few issues associated with the pressure of fame, does put them at more risk than me. When someone around your age dies, it does make you think, and in a way feel fortunate that it was not you. It gives you a sense of your own mortality. I knew of their failings. I also knew of their achievements. This was because I could watch them, and read about them everywhere. But, I did not display any grief, publicly or otherwise. I just sat there, watching their images on the TV, and quietly said 'Goodbye' to a same-age person who grew up in the same era as myself, with all the unique challenges which that particular era evoked. Not to say other eras did not, but that one was the one I know about. I watched them and read about them, because I went through life at the same age-range as them.