---
title: Responsible Key Management Plan
tags: bizplan
robots: noindex, nofollow
---

# Responsible Key Management Plan

## An Overview

"**Responsible Key Management**" is, potentially, a unifying theme to our work at Blockchain Commons, in particular with respect to the Gordian System and Smart Custody book.

## Business Model

There are two short term monetization opportunities for Responsible Key Management (RKM).

#### Opportunity 1: Certified Seal
Bitmark implemented the Gordian system in the Autonomy wallet, the same implementation opportunity can/will be pursued with Unchained Capital, DCD and others. Seals/certifications signal to users and the market that a specific standards are met.

**Recommendation**: Review and certify Gordian System implementations, and charge a one-time/monthly subscription fee for use of "Certified" logo etc ($4,999 per annum or $499 per month). In the future we can certify entire organizations, not just products.

#### Opportunity 2: Education & Certification

Smart Custody is a fully developed product, with revisions in progress for v2. However the v1 product has not been through its full product lifecycle. There is an immediate need in the market for better understanding of self custody and responsible key management practices.

**Recommendation**: Rebrand Smart Custody v2 book to "*The Responsible Key Management Guide*". Then implement content strategy based on rebranded book.

**Marketing Content (Cost to us, Free to user)**

* **YouTube**: Produce animated video explainers of 26+ adversaries. Estimated cost $100-300 per minute.
* **Podcasts**: Present and talk about "The Responsible Key Management Guide" on crypto podcasts. Estimated cost FREE/our time.

**Education/Certification Content (Cost recovered from user)**

* **Certification Tiers**: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced (asynchronous, live, or hybrid).
* **Objective**: Become a Responsible Key Management practitioner.
* **Format**: Online Class Modules, with *challenge exercises* for both Intermediate and Advanced certificates, and *Office Hours* for Advanced only. Distribution platform tbd. Professional is ultra high touch, tbd.
* **Pricing**: Beginner ($499), Intermediate ($1,299) and Advanced ($2,399) - RKM Certificate; Professional ($12,999) - Certified RKM Professional.

## Brand Architecture

Currently we have a complex and incoherent brand name architecture: Blockchain Commons, Gordian, SmartCustody, Spotbit etc.

**Recommendation**: Unify organization name and core product offerings under a single banner. Example:

* **Book/Content**: The Responsible Key Management Guide
* **Certification**: Responsible Key Management Standard, RKM-2021 Certified, RKM Seal, Certified RKM Professional
* **Ecosystem**: Responsible Key Management System
* **Organization**: The Center for Responsible Key Management

Smart Custody Guide

Smart Custody Standard

Collaborative Custody - Unchained

### Organization Structure

Most people understand an entity to be either for-profit or not-for-profit, and the typical heuristic is for-profits are structured as an LLC or C/S-Corp, whereas not-for-profits are set up as a 501(c ) with (3) as the most common category. Blockchain Commons is an LLC, but we publicly state our not-for-profit intent. This is confusing.

**Recommendation**: Restructure from LLC to 501 (c )(3). Our core activities fit under *Scientific* and *Educational* exemption categories. Buy CRKM.ORG ($10).

The advantage of this structure is we can:
* Pursue Patron led funding, where US-based donors get **tax-deductions for contributing to us**. This is a significant incentive for US-based donors.
* Become **eligble for grant funding** from large foundations such as Templeton, Ford, Rockerfeller and Open Society to name a few. Each foundation has specific technology and society support areas that align with our work.
* Continue to **pursue certain sustainable revenue generating activities** that are aligned with our mission, such a RKM Certification/Education etc.

## Summary/Notes