Your e-mails: Michael Jackson's career
(CNN) -- CNN.com asked users to share their thoughts about the future of Michael Jackson's career. Here is a sampling from thousands of responses, some of which have been edited.
Regardless of the allegations, the outcome of the trial, and his eccentricity, there is one inescapable truth: Michael Jackson is a musical genius. He managed to change the musical landscape in the late '70's and the '80's. I have no doubt that he can do it again. Michael needs to focus on new trends and how the music industry has changed over the last decade. He needs to immerse himself in new trends. His creativity will allow him to transform, adapt and come up with a new sound and a hit record. The last thing he needs is to attempt to recapture his musical past. ... If he manages to create something fresh and exciting, the public will be more accepting of him. He's done it before, he can do it again.
Pedro Perez of San Juan, Puerto Rico
I have always been a fan of his music, but as the years have gone on, because of his "odd" behavior, facial changes and such, I haven't wanted to invest anymore in his music. I think he will always have fans, as seen by everyone's support during his trial. I don't know how much more new stuff he can do, but as for touring I think he will always be able to make money that way. Luckily for him he has a big family with lots of support.
Diane Rogers of Gowen, Michigan
I think that Michael Jackson's career will become whatever he makes it. Michael needs to leave the security of his personal isolation at Neverland and reinsert himself into normal society. Such a move could recover his image completely in time. I think that Americans have already proven how willing they are to forgive him.
Sara Marie O'Neill of Enid, Oklahoma
Although found innocent, many will feel there is no smoke without fire and I doubt his career will ever flourish again. Mud sticks. I think he's a great star and I'm happy for him, but he must see that his unusual behavior is not acceptable to the public. He's very naive and if he doesn't change his odd ways he will end up back in the same situation again in the future.
Andrea Turner of Hartlepool, United Kingdom
He will perhaps never reach the level of success he had with "Thriller," and rightfully so because that album was probably perfect in all aspects. Despite that point, Michael Jackson is far from hanging up the glove because he has been a captivating performer all his life, and will be that way. Who else can sell out the biggest of stadiums in just about any city in any country just by announcing his concert there? Michael Jackson is at his own level above mediocre stardom and that is a realm nobody else can even touch!
Pratyaksh Pai of Germantown, Maryland
What career? The man hasn't produced a viable hit since "Thriller" and "Bad" -- it's all been a rehash of the same stuff. He's been too busy indulging his other career -- image reshaping
Dorothy of Los Angeles, California
I believe Michael Jackson will have some success if he puts out a new album of new material and music videos. If he tours overseas there will be success. A tour here will be successful, but not as much as overseas, [although] you might be surprised. Any new album that he will release will gain attention from the public because everyone is going to be wondering: Does he still have it? If Mick Jagger can sing and dance at 60-plus, then once Michael Jackson gets some rest, I think he will be able to regain some respectability in the eyes of the public. We all must remember he had his day in court and was acquitted ... no need for people to say that he is guilty or he got off. He had his day!
Neil Sheffield of Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
Regardless of how the public perceives Michael Jackson now that he has been acquitted, he is an artist in a drastic decline. His last album was a commercial disappointment, and even if this trial never happened, his label could very well drop him as an artist. As long as he surrounds himself with sycophants who cater to his every whim, he will likely continue his commercial and artistic decline. His story is becoming eerily similar to that of Mike Tyson. A child superstar whose immaturity and lack of structure leads to squandering of nearly $1 billion. Look for both of them on "The Surreal Life" any day now.
David de Courcy of Corona, California
What career? It was already over. The publicity will sell a few CDs for him for a short time, but it's over and has been for years.
James of Aruba
This should boost Michael's failing career. As P.T. Barnum said, "You can say anything you want about me, just make sure you spell my name right!" I think Michael should duplicate the successful Vegas "fixtures." He could live with white tigers next door to Siegfried and Roy, and where else in the world does everyone accept you for you you are?
Chris of Zionsville, Indiana
I do not think Michael Jackson has the strength or energy to continue his career. Nor do I think he will have enough fan support to make any sort of comeback, possible. I think his career is over.
Jenny of Indianapolis, Indiana
I actually think this will boost his career. Now that a jury has proven his innocence, it will help him in the long run. As to where he should go now, I think he needs to re-evaluate who he befriends from now on. I think he should stop being "the nice guy" and be cautious as to who he decides to hang out with. It is very obvious that he cannot be a good guy. He tried that, and all it did was hurt him.
Wendy Frederick of Santa Monica, California
Unfortunately, I think Michael Jackson's career is over. Despite his legions of worldwide fans, I think a lifetime of unending pressure to outdo his own success (and the unforgiving microscope that comes with that kind of celebrity) has finally caught up to him and left him in an irreversible state of physical and mental distress. If only someone had stepped in years ago to intervene, we might not have lost a truly unique creative talent.
Michelle Mellon of Woodland Hills, California
Now that the trial is over, Michael Jackson regains full privilege and title as "The King of Hasbeens." Time to hole up in Neverland, get healthy, and retire from the music industry. His time has ended. The next generation of pop superstars is in the wings.
Christopher Watson of San Diego, California
We all have our ups and downs. When one door closes, another opens. Michael Jackson was never a fad, but is one of the world's greatest talents. Like all true artists, he must continue to express himself. If he does so honestly, he will connect with people and again ride the crest.
Paul Chang of St. Ann, Jamaica
Jackson's career has been over for a long time. I am not surprised by today's verdict, but I still think he is guilty of misconduct.
Kevin B. of Palm Springs, California
Who cares? An aging former pop star who hasn't produced any worthwhile music in a decade. Why does the continuing fascination with celebrities never stop?
Chris Matthes of Calgary, Alberta
If Jackson is smart, he will parlay this legal victory into a worldwide mission of turning lemons into lemonade!
Dennis Ballas of Dix Hills, New York
He better come out with one hell of an album!
Ryan of Denver, Colorado
Michael Jackson's career will never be what it used to. Even with a not guilty verdict, he has musically been out of the scene for a while, and it's always hard to make a comeback in an arena that is so competitive and has new talent coming out every day.
Jessica of Santa Monica, California
Michael's career pretty much screeched to a halt after the previous round of accusations. Even though he's been acquitted, the suspicions of misconduct will haunt him and result in a lifelong career as a "has been."
Rebecca Flores of Salem, Oregon
I think Michael's career will continue to flourish, for his fans have and will continue to stand by his side. I hope Michael has learned a hard lesson and that he has gained wisdom from this ordeal.
D. Aguilar of Houston, Texas
I think he will put a permanent show in Las Vegas ala Celine Dion.
Art of Huntington Park, California
Michael Jackson will probably go into seclusion as the furor of the verdict wanes. I fear his career is over. His strong supporters will be the only one buying anything he might create. Unfortunately, this verdict will again divide us racially, economically and morally. As if we didn't have enough more serious concerns.
Jeffrey Cunningham of Lakewood, Colorado
He is going to have a long road ahead of him to rebuild the career he once had in the '80s. As a teenager in the '80s I was a fan, but I would have issue with my son going to anything that promoted MJ.
Tamara of Clifton Park, New York
