Ask HN: Is getting a visible tattoo a terrible idea?

I've done a bit of Googling, but I would like a more IT related response.

Does getting a visible tattoo (hand, lower arm, neck) mean curtains for your career? Does anyone have any anecdotal evidence for or against?

On a related note, is it bad form to get a visible tattoo while you are at a job (hired for 5-6 months now) without mentioning it first?