Paying dividends doesn't (or shouldn't) of itself gain a lot of trust. Ponzis are better at paying dividends than real investments - until they stop. Transparency is best way to get trust - provide a way whereby investors can see that you're doing what you say you're doing and making the profts that you say you're making from doing so.
+1
I will not give up my identity, however I am willing to show statements at least. I WILL however block out things, like account #'s and whatever else I think will be "personal". Either way, we now hold shares with two companies that pay monthly dividends. So, starting February, we should be receiving bi-monthly payouts! This is very exciting!