For those of us too lazy to sift through broken links on Surf the Channel, or too HD-obsessed to withstand awful grainy quality, Hulu has become a welcome sanctuary for free TV. Or, as their commercials like to call it, “an evil plot to destroy the world.”

But that clever tagline was more genuine back when they hadn’t decided to throw a paywall up around the site. According to B&C, News Corps. Deputy Chairman Chase Carey has announced that he’s had enough with the free model, and Hulu will begin to charge users for certain content by “at least 2010.” He was clear that not all content would be blocked by a paywall, but that “specially-created content and TV previews” will begin to cost money. That’s CEO speak for “we’re sick of you getting to watch 30 Rock for free.”

In terms of media, we’re currently in flux; the advent of the internet changed so much so quickly that many companies are scrambling to adapt their business models to coincide with the new media climate. We’ve gotten so used to free content–whether we access it legally or illegally–that this change almost seems like a personal affront. “You mean I don’t deserve to watch your highly expensive content for free? You’ve gotta be kidding me!” But even if Hulu’s commercials painted the company as a subversive organ seeking to overthrow the dominant TV culture, they still have to make money somehow. Some day we’ll probably look back on this time in our lives with fondness, our eyes softly misting over as we regale our grandchildren with tales about those handful of years when the internet meant you could get something for nothing.