This very idea that you should be trying to determine if a creator is motivated by sincerity or a cynical desire for personal gain, assumes negative intentions.

This very idea that you should be trying to determine if a creator is motivated by sincerity or a cynical desire for personal gain, assumes negative intentions. When you assume negative intentions, you accuse sincere people of a cynical desire for personal gain. The reality is, you can't tell what someone's motivations are, and believing you can sets you up for a world of intentionally hurting people who are just trying to live their life.