Users of the free online video service Hulu could soon be paying for what they watch on the Web site.Hulu, which allows users to watch recent episodes of popular network and cable television shows for free by showing commercials online, is reportedly switching to a pay model May 24, according to an LA Times report.The service, called “Hulu plus” would cost $9.95 per month and offer users access to Hulu’s entire video library.A free version of the service would still be available offering the five most recent episodes of shows on Fox, ABC and NBC. FOX, ABC and NBC are all part owners of Hulu.Advertising professor Lance Porter said he is skeptical of the proposed pay model because he thinks Hulu would have to be available on televisions through some sort of set-top box, similar to a digital cable box, to be accepted by consumers.The advertising currently available on Hulu is not very effective, Porter said. He said many advertisers are unhappy with the current advertising model available on Hulu and other free online television show Web sites, where one commercial is shown multiple times during an episode.Megan Thompson, business sophomore, said she currently uses Hulu on her computer but would be unhappy to use a pay version of the Web site.”I have On Demand service from my cable provider that I pay for,” Thompson said. “I don’t really see what the difference would be if Hulu became a set-top box On Demand service.”Thompson said she pays about $70 per month for her cable and Internet service from Cox.She said she receives high-speed Internet, HD channels, a DVR recording device and premium cable channels like HBO in addition to On Demand service.Robert Enwright, chemistry junior, said his parents receive an online service called HBO GO through their Verizon FiOS service.Enwright said the service is like Hulu, but it’s made up of only HBO programming without commercials.Jennifer Roberts, finance freshman, said she subscribes to Netflix, and some shows are available online each month.”I like to watch the show ‘Dexter’ on Netflix online,” Roberts said. “I get unlimited viewing of television shows online for $8.99 a month.”Hulu ranks second to YouTube in video streams per month in the United States.—-Contact Jacob Most at [email protected].