To be fair, it is not just audio hobbies that get tossed under the bus in the "normal" circles, but anything really where one steps out and does something different from the masses.
About 10 years ago I built a boat, nothing big, just a 20 footer and I made the mistake that people who stopped by would be interested and I would take them out back to show my progress. Some were, but many were almost intimidated that I would dare take on something like that, and without taking some sort of classes etc. I learned that unless people are interested, don't bother them with it..
BTW, My boat.. Still have it and continues to be a source of pleasure for me even if it still is a slight diversion of audio funds..
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