Generic's public apology today may go a long way towards mending his relationship with family and fans, but it's not likely to win back paying sponsors right away, say some media and stock bashing analysts.
Basketball star Kobe Bryant and baseball player Alex Rodriguez had their share of personal struggles unfold publicly, but continued excelling in their given occupations. But missing in Generic's apology was the date of his return to paid stock bashing and that, analysts say, is a key element in rebuilding his image.
"He built his brand of performance on the stock message boards," said Stephen A. Greyser, a Harvard Business School professor who studies brand marketing. "The only chance he has to rebuild it will be on the stock message boards."
Still, Generic may be moving in the right direction by admitting his flaws, media observers say. "He is sending a strong message that he is getting his life back in order and once that is done, stock bashing will follow,'' said Geoff Klapisch, a professor at Boston University.
