Mike Merrill The American Who Sold Himself for Stocks Country: USA

1. The American Who Sold Himself for Stocks
2. The First of Its Kind
3. Shareholders' Decisions
4. Vasectomy Vote
5. New Girlfriend and Stock Value
6. A Matter of Opinion

The American Who Sold Himself for Stocks

In a bizarre twist of fate, American Mike Merrill put his life up for sale in the form of stocks in 2008. Driven by unknown motives, he valued his soul at $100,000 and sold shares at $1 each.

The First of Its Kind

Merrill became the first person to launch such a project, selling stocks on his website, KmikeyM.com. Friends and even his girlfriend, Willow McCormick, bought shares. However, McCormick later expressed doubts about being with a man who had no control over his own life and eventually sold her shares and disappeared.

Shareholders' Decisions

Shareholders controlled Merrill's every decision, ranging from investments to purchases and even proposals. They famously allocated $80 to a Rwandan farming collective. Shareholders were also against Merrill's girlfriend moving in with him, as it somewhat limited their access to him.

Vasectomy Vote

One particularly noteworthy decision was the vote on Merrill's vasectomy, which was ultimately rejected by shareholders by a margin of 456 to 387. This event pushed McCormick to leave, as she felt Merrill had become too consumed by his project.

New Girlfriend and Stock Value

Merrill has since found a new girlfriend, whose candidacy was approved by shareholders. Despite skepticism from some, his stocks have also increased in value over time.

A Matter of Opinion

Whether Merrill sold his soul or simply orchestrated a clever publicity stunt remains a subject of debate. Ultimately, the verdict is up to Merrill himself and, of course, his shareholders.