I'm old enough to remember when people bought newspapers from shops and newspaper stands. You would buy the newspaper first then read the content. Some days your favourite rag would contain nonsense. It wouldn't stop you buying it the next day. It's only if the paper goes completely downhill would you stop buying it.

I take a similar approach to good authors.

If I look at a lot of the things I consume (e.g. music, movies, food etc.), I pay before consumption. Often based on previous experiences, brand awareness and reputation.