This morning, the Twittersphere was abuzz with news that Hulu is now offering the entire season of “My So-called Life.” Yes, the teen angst-ridden grunge series that has gained a following amongst the aging Gen-X. Then, even before I could visit the site to confirm the news, Broadcasting and Cable reported that Hulu will begin charging in 2010.

“It’s time to start getting paid for broadcast content online,” said News Corp. Deputy Chairman Chase Carey.

After I posted the news on Facebook, my friends were abuzz with the news, as well. Popular replies included, “AHHHHHHHHHHHH!” And an empassioned “WTF?” One even said they would return to illegal downloading once the site began charging.

This response doesn’t seem to mesh with Carey’s seeming belief that Hulu’s content isn’t garnering the respect it should and that, maybe, charging is the solution. “I think a free model is a very difficult way to capture the value of our content,” said Carey at the Broadcasting and Cable Online Summit. “I think what we need to do is deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value.”

I, for one, am going to hurry up and watch every episode of “My So-Called Life” that I can, while I can, for free. What do you think? Is this the right step for Hulu? Would you become a subscriber?

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Photo: The same day I found out Hulu began offering “My So-called Life,” I heard the terrible news. Credit: Hulu