Longbow- a lot of people in the industry are there because they love aeroplanes. Pilots especially. I think you will find they were once spotters to a degree themselves- I certainly was whenever I had the chance. Not reggie spotting myself, but just hearing the whine and smelling the jet fuel smells and exhausts at airports. I went on to fly professionally for 34 years (and maybe more to come). Having been one myself, I was always friendly to them, and have chatted with them many times over the years. When my flying days are over, I will be back occasionally on the 'other' side of the fence to see things like A380 and other new ones. I always had a wave for the people at the fence of that pub at MAN.
Don't be disheartened, don't be embarrassed. We share a common interest and love. Unfortunately there are a lot of people in the industry who find the public a nuisance. There are zealous security people who find the public a nuisance. They are 'splinters on the bannister of life'. Enjoy your hobby with no apologies to anyone! It's a bloody sight more fun than stamp collecting, beer mat collecting, watching trashy videos, football, cricket, going to the gym, horse racing, decorating................