I much prefer it be used as a vocal effect than to correct a note. Seems more honest, and I can't stand the sound of someone who I am supposed to believe is singing using autotune. I am fine with it being used when the person isn't really singing though. It is a fun little toy.I'm actually surprised...........it amazes me that people seem to like (they must do, since there's so much of it and it's all selling) the synthetic sound of autotune. I admit to having used it once or twice to correct a bad note, but not using it as a vocal processor with compression like most of these people. It also makes a great guitar effect, but I don't think it should be used as a primary way to record vocals.
Seriously. Gaga comes out like she's gonna play music like the New York Dolls or something, but when you listen to her, she sounds like any old pop star.
Ms. Germanotta definitely can sing, but is by no means exceptional (well, she is in pop music because, well, she can sing). She actually sounds better in her live stuff than with all the studio effects. She knows the market and is playing it well.