It is the Valentine’s Day extravaganza that is not to be missed, so come along to the Imperial on Feb 14 from 5.30pm for our second AGM. More importantly, subscribe now before the price rise.

Last week was a record for crikey with 45 new subscriptions so clearly many readers are getting in before the price rise. Subscribers are getting about four updates a week which is keeping them ahead of the pack on business, political and media news.

The best place to subscribe for the first time or to resubscribe will be at the second Annual General Meeting of Crikey Media Pty Ltd which is to be held at the Imperial Hotel (opposite Vic Parliament) on February 14 from about 5.30pm till 8pm.

For $30 you’ll get an annual subscription, a Crikey tee-shirt, a Paul Barry book on Alan Bond or Kerry Packer, free food, free drink, a chance to meet 70 other Crikey subscribers and a night to remember.

Crikey subscribers are welcome to resubscribe on the night for $30 and nab a Paul Barry book if they like, but alternatively they can come along for free and resubscribe for $40 later in the year when their 12 months is up.

Many of the recent new subscriptions have been to help us in our fight against 3AW shock jock Steve Price in the Victorian Supreme Court. The first mention in this defamation matter is scheduled for February 16, but he’s threatening to bring a contempt action if we continue writing about him on the site and talking about him on radio.

All of this has sparked us to turn the AGM into a “Stick it to Steve” fundraiser so if you believe in free speech, come along for this aspect of the night alone.

To help with the catering, we’d love to know in advance if you can come and also let us know if you’re prepared to wear the seven-foot Crikey foam suit for a while as well. It is best suited to tall, skinny guys but we’re not fussy.

If you can’t make it, why not encourage a friend to subscribe before the price rise. Alternatively, send in a really good letter to yoursay as the best letter each fortnight will be rewarded with a free subscription.

Cheers, Stephen Mayne