I've been bemused by recent comments about American pop star Madonna.

When I first heard 'Into the Groove', way back there in the early eighties, when Madonna had a chunky tummy and dressed like that godawful Agnes Dean dresses now, I thought that it was a nice catchy tune. However, as I was immersed in Cabaret Voltaire, Einsturzende Neu Bauten, SPK and Section 25, the said song's catchiness merely had a passing effect on me. Since then, Madonna's songs had elicited a range of unexcited emotions from me: from "that's a catchy tune" to "that's a bit flat" to "that's quite good".

Some people enjoy her music more. "Her" music? This is the point. She is a pop star. How much input she has into the music is irrelevent. How much input she has into any aspect of her artistic output is irrelevent. It's the end product that matters: The songs, videos and stage shows. Do you enjoy them or not? If not, then fine. I am mostly indifferent to her output.

But, to essay a critique based on an assumed appreciation of her by others, is to miss the point entirely. As a pop star, Madonna has an image, cultivated over many years. If you're not taken in by it, well, congratulations - have a biscuit. Attacking Madonna's publicity skills is playing the game of bullshit as much she or any other publicist is. Do you enjoy her product? That's the only question to consider.