The following is the updated language for the new MIKE trust protocol which is currently pending shareholder approval.
The Mutual Image Known Endorsement (MIKE) is an extension of the community-building spirit of the KmikeyM project.
A MIKE is a permanent symbol of connection with a matching (or thematically linked) tattoo shared between members of the shareholder community and Mike Merrill.
MIKEs are not granted lightly, and participants will be subject to a three phase process:
- Eligibility Phase: The person or company must pass a background check (the same process as the former VTAC endorsement) where references are provided and interviewed, which happens only if the person or company meets one of the there Eligibility Requirements (see below).
- Connection Phase: The details, however specific or vague, of the image or theme will be agreed on by both parties as a representation of the connection between the parties.
- Bonding Phase: A date and location will be determined, ideally at the same place and time with the same tattoo artist, but under extreme circumstances perhaps done remotely (in all circumstances, Mike will get his tattoo second). Once the tattoos have been administered and had time to heal they will be revealed and the participant will be officially added to the list of those endorsed by MIKE.
Eligibility
To participate, a shareholder must meet one of three criteria:
- Hold 100 or more shares
- Have been a shareholder for 5+ years
- Pay $1,000 directly to Mike to initiate the process*
*This is in place of owning 100 shares or knowing Mike for five or more years and therefore is a non-refundable fee even if the person or company fails the background check or violates Mike’s trust.
Cost
Participants must also cover the cost of both tattoos, including any related expenses. Mike reserves the right to waive this fee or lower the standards of the tattoo (for example, perhaps a stick-and-poke is the right method in a particular circumstance) at his discretion.
Benefits
Primarily the benefit is, and should be for all parties, having a cool tattoo. However, this particular tattoo is also a bonded endorsement and therefore carries some additional perks.
Once endorsed the participants can count on Mike for letters of recommendation, LinkedIn endorsements, and positive references as needed. (Note: previous VTAC endorsements will be grandfathered into the MIKE program.)
Violations of Trust
Should any previously endorsed participant violate the trust of Mike Merrill the tattoo will be blacked out (not removed) and the endorsements revoked.
VTAC is now MIKE
The MIKE is an evolution from a trust project which was approved in 2009 with 97% shareholder approval.
VTAC (Validation of Trusted Authenticity Certificate) was proposed as a physical trust protocol created as a tattoo endorsement by K. Mike Merrill for companies and people he truly trusts.
Inspired by digital EV Certificates, VTAC was designed to improve virtual indicators with permanent body ink, signaling a deeper, personal verification process. The first test partner was the software company Panic who announced the inaugural endorsement in 2012.
As digital EV certification lost significance it was time to update VTAC. With 88% shareholder approval it was decided in 2025 to update to the MIKE protocol.