I won't deliberatley go out and find out about a producers background before buying their records. But if I did happen to read an inerview or whatever and I liked what the person was saying then I do think that would persuade me to always seek out their stuff. If I feel they are really passionate or have good views on music then I will have increased respect for them.
Perfect example given earlier ,Chris McCormack. I read an interview with him (think it was on this site) and after reading it , I felt like standing up and clapping the guy. He is a perfect example of someone who is in it for the music and the music only.

Richie Hawtin , I also admire a lot because of his passion for exploring and using new technology to push his own musical boundaries.

Another artist is James Liddell , I think his music is very much in keeping with his personality.

Also I think it's important that producers have ideals or goals themselves when making music. I think it shows when someone is just making banging tunes with no real concept to it.

But I do think I can be a bit of a snob sometimes. For example I saw a Fergie techno record and a Mauro Piccotto one and wouldn't normally bother to pick them up. I did and I was right , the Fergie one was shite and although I didn't dig the Piccotto one , you can't fault his production or his ability to make tunes. But my mind was almost made up for me before I listened.