Online world in Michael Jackson frenzy

The online world exploded into a frenzy of activity on Friday following the news of pop legend Michael Jackson's death, as fans grieved dramatically while more cynical spectators posted nastier messages

Less than four hours after he died, a Facebook group pronouncing Jackson was still alive had already been created.

It boasted a total of six members by 7am on Friday.

"MICHAEL JACKSON IS STILL ALIVE!!! PLEASE JOIN THE GROUP!!," a fan, Tania Dv, wrote at 2.37am, hours after the news of his death broke.

The internet was abuzz with comments and conversations on the death of Jackson, 50, who suffered cardiac arrest late on Thursday night.

Fifteen percent of all posts on Twitter on Friday mentioned Jackson, said media expert Dan Gillmore.

On social networking sites Facebook and Twitter there were endless "Rest In Peace" messages, with a string of celebrities paying tribute to the King of Pop.

"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats," wrote Madonna.

Lenny Kravitz said: "If not for him, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing. He gave me joy as a child and showed me the way to go. He was music. Period."

Mariah Carey said she was heartbroken.

"Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans
throughout the world," she said on Twitter.

R&B artist Brandy Norwood said the news had not hit her yet, "I know when it does I will be a f**kin [sic] WRECK!!!!!"

Puff Daddy said Jackson made him "believe in magic" while Snoop Dog posted a Twitter message stating: "Billie Jean is not my son!!! Mike went hard on this one..."

Other quirky messages came from members of the public, such as, "RIP Michael Jackson, you were the best moonwalker there was, considering you never actually have been on the moon".

Karen Maduray said: "Even tho we never knew if you were BLACK OR WHITE, you definitely were a THRILLER to us all. Lets hope your legacy lives on long enough to HEAL THE WORLD.! R.I.P MJ..!!!"

Accusations of who was to blame for his death at the age of 50 were aplenty.

"The media run after you like jackals...now they don't...f*** em!!! You are next to G.O.D.!!! Peace!!!," wrote Sami Korkiakoski on Facebook.

Michael James Quinn, in a Facebook message, lashed out at a former head of Sony Music Entertainment: "IT WAS YOUR FAULT SONY, YOU BROKE HIS HEART BACK IN 2002...TOMMY MATOLA DIE YOU F****R."

Sony posted a tribute to Jackson on Facebook around 6am, describing him as "one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all time".

Some messages were less flattering, with several postings referring to the child molestation charges against him.

"I love Michael Jackson's music, but I have NOT forgotten the ultra creepy dude he turned out to be for the last 15+ years. (Child molestation, anyone?! Remember that?) Sooo...all things
being said...this is probably the best thing for his career and image.

"We'll all be able to remember his music and love him for his talent...and not constantly be reminded how nutty he got in the end. So okay, RIP MJ," wrote Leah Shirey.

Probably the unfriendliest posting came the satirical website The Onion.

It posted a breaking news headline on Twitter: "Last Piece Of Michael Jackson Dies".

Michael Jackson online discussion

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