I hate major label campaigns; the hair looks dreadful (styled), the track sounds contrived, the kid is manufactured...

I've encouraged and supported Justin for almost three years now but, as with many new acts, he's been taken over and remoulded by so called experts. He has a raw natural talent. It's true that they have promoted him to become a leading chart act, but they (mainly Usher) have buried his real talent under image and vocal effects.

Hopefully Justin is enjoying the limelight while it lasts. He is 15 and it won't be long before his voice changes and his main sweet young boy appeal will be gone. Then I fear he will be dropped.

In fairness, however, Justin does pick up an acoustic guitar and play the occasional sidewalk gig for his fans, which is how he started off. This is where his natural talent is still allowed to shine.

Yes indeed PBS - both you and the Fab Chart have supported Justin for years on here - I decided (with Steve after Hanson and Mmmbop) that you have to be very careful about inflicting fame on the under 16s in the music world of celebrity; I simply don't think it should be done.

I agree that inflicting manufactured fame on them is a bad idea. If it comes naturally and they are well managed/treated, and don't miss out on a real childhood, then it's cool by me.

Some under 16s will manage it better than some over 16s. I think Leon of X Factor, for example, has suffered more from his manufactured fame than Justin ever will. The advantage the under 16s have is that they change their sound and appearance and can recreate themselves much easier than the likes of Leon.

Hanson didn't suffer at all. They had a massive high during the MmmBop era, but then it levelled off and they are still enjoying reasonable success. The BeeGees started very young too. It's all about how people are managed and supported. Age isn't always a major factor. Some young talent needs to be encouraged otherwise it doesn't develop properly or is snuffed out altogether.

For every kid who has a bad experience with success, there are many more who have positive experiences. It can do far more harm to deny the kids the opportunity to shine. Just as damaging as trying to force them to shine when they don't want to. But that can be the same with any age group.

Another 15 year old Canadian, Jackson Cook, writes and performs his own songs, largely promotes himself with the help of family, and is well respected within the music business. He still does all the kid stuff, loves surfing and all kinds of sports, and he has ordinary friends. He's win awards and been chosen to sing at the opening of the British Columbia Games, but it's all kept down to earth and any fame will come naturally without someone forcing it. He has maybe 20 followers on twitter, while Justin has a few thousand because of his enhanced image. But Jackson will be around the music business far longer than Justin, unless Justin finds some way to recreate himself at a later date.

It was the drummer Hanson brother who was only 11 who Stevie decided was having his life ruined by it all; yes, they seem pretty grounded and happy now - but that was the lesson Steve and I learned (going back to Ricky Wilde for me - and compare his subsequent life to Darren Burn).

Zac Hanson remained a bright kid, did well in school, had lots of fun, didn't wind up on drink or drugs, continued to maintain stable relationships, etc. And, as you say, they are all well grounded today.

They made music because they wanted to, which is why they continue to make music today. Even Zac understood that the fame and fortune wouldn't last. He enjoyed the ride - and still does.

So I just wonder what the claim that it ruined his life is based on?

I think Steve felt his life was being ruined at the time; normal childhood removed by the pressures of work, too young.

I always get the impression that some people just don't like kids being involved in what they see as an adult world, and some are afraid to show support for kids in case they are accused of having some ulterior motive.

I think young talent should be encouraged.

this is laughable. i've known the Hansons for a few years. they first performed when zac was 5, and for each of them its about the music. any fame and fortune was incidental, it never went to their heads and it didn't ruin any of their lives. zac was as happy in it then as he is now. claims by this steve bloke are entirely off mark.