Last year the new U2.com was launched. Along with it came their new fan club, in the form of a US$40 per year subscription service for the website. Many fans viewed it to be a bit of a poor deal; I was one of them.

Basically it offers some paper thin content, streaming access to all of the album tracks and videos (I already own them!) and little else – pretty much all that’s of value are Willie’s diaries (visual designer for U2’s stage shows). Oh, and it gives access to The Edge’s new blog – but so far he hasn’t actually written anything except for a lengthy plug for the Music Rising foundation he helped kickstart.

To sweeten the deal, they offered a live disc featuring a smattering of tracks from their Vertigo tour for fans who signed up.

“Big deal” I thought. And didn’t sign up.

This year, none of the subscription services have changed, and yet I’m rabidly signing up as fast as my little credit card will let me.

Why? Rather than some random Vertigo disc, instead the subscription comes with a double Zoo TV Sydney live CD set and two Zoo TV era posters. Achtung memorabilia baby!

Well, now you know: if there’s Zoo TV schwag to be had, you’ve got me hook line and sinker.