In the U.S., the word "otaku" often refers to just a fan, like a sci-fi fan. This is patently wrong and causes confusion. Even in Japan "otaku" with the spelling "o" can refer to any sort of wacko (like a photography otaku) and not just Akiba-kei.

When you spell it "wotaku" people will know you're referring to Akiba-kei. (It's pronounced the same, though.)

And for the record, I am an American wota, here for friends & fun...