When people noticed the hobby at all, most people just wanted it to go away. But, it was somewhat like the ugly duckling who became a swan, fantasy football has become tall, strong, and aristocratic. Far from being the poor stepchild, fantasy football is now beloved by millions nationwide, most of whom have only recently become aware of it's wonders and charms. I had the privilege of meeting fantasy football when it was still an infant, and became one of it's early friends. I'm closer to it today than ever before, but it's changed so dramatically that sometimes I hardly recognize it.
Every hobby has a culture that grows up around it, colors it, and pervades it.
Learning and mastering the skills of any interest is important, but it's never enough to merely walk the walk. If you truly want to be a disciple of the hobby, you must also talk the talk. Scuba diving has a culture. So do gamblers and motorcycle clubs. Auto racing has a family of cultures.