Well hello, welcome to the community!
Luckily enough, there has been a recent thread asking the TC question (
link)
A well respected player is one who follows rules, is generally nice and so on. So, just as long as you don't become a bad user you can assume that you are respected, although getting acknowledged for that respect is a different talk
There are a few ways to become popular.
Becoming a marketer (A person who actively engages in the Market side of the game, becoming well known around there)
Becoming a good replaymaker (not the easiest thing to do, but a fun one for sure)
Becoming an artist, be it normal art or textures
Maybe even becoming a staff member like a Gamemaster.
You will learn more about the community and you will find the answers to your questions way easier with just time spent here.
Hope you enjoy your time here, cheers.