Ben, it's because you are totally green. We don't know you, you haven't been around long enough to gauge you, and no one is sure if you are what you say you are.
Post some, read and learn, and do the Newbie Sampler. As we get to know you, you will be more than willing to participate in these sort of things.
We get a lot of green people who want to participate in things, we see them once, and then never see them again.
The people around here can/will/do rip on ya...it comes with the territory. Give yourself some time around, do some trading, and let us get to know you.

That's just my two cents worth, and though two cents don't mean much, and I don't speak for the community as a whole (just as someone who has been around it for a bit), a couple of posts, some time, some trades, and a generally good disposition will get you treated like one of the regulars. And don't worry- everyone gets called a douchenozzle sooner or later! I honestly think it's a sign of affection really.
Relax, get to know us, don't take things personally unless it's done in a fashion that is designed to prove to you beyond any shadow of a doubt that it was personal.

Other than that, light up a smoke and smile man.