If you went to a site and the only way you could see what was on it was if you paid for the access, what would it be? Templates, recipes, exclusive unique e-books, etc...? Or would you not bother.
I'd need to be convinced that the site does have something worthwhile in it. A few references would definitely be required. If I simply spotted a site ( without knowing anything about it) which asked me to pay, I'll take the first mouse click out of the place.
I'd certainly go for the exclusive books and templates, but need a guarantee for the items to be exclusive before I pay.