That is fine assuming you aren't taking out debt to pay for it that you won't pay back.
All of this effort is entirely for education's sake. To me it is like sipping fine wine instead of drinking water from the tap. It is purely for my enjoyment.
Shame you can't just read a book, watch a documentary, or actually participate in the research or discovery of the underlying topic. Otherwise it sounds is if you need a better hobby.
Why do think that this effort isn't participating in original discovery that others may benefit from and enjoy?