What constitutes a 'shipper'?

Okay, I was going to post in the thread Spuffy vs Bangel, but I guess it's going quite off topic so it might deserve it's own thread.

So the question I want to ask is basically what constitutes a shipper? Are there different levels of shipping?

For example - do I ship Spuffy? I enjoyed watching their relationship, I thought it was exciting, sexy and incredibly interesting. I support what the ship was about, and believe that Spike and Buffy truly loved each other.

On the other hand, I found Bangel to be boring, not as sexy as it was 'romantic' (in that it wasn't my version of romance, but I understand that people think so). Also, I do believe that what they had was mature beyond their years, and that they loved each other deaply.

I've always said I ship Spuffy because I like that sexy, fiery, interesting dynamic. I believed in the story that was being told, and I think that they could have been so much more.

On the other hand, I don't believe they should be together any more. I think they both need to move on. Have I stopped shipping Spuffy due to this realization?

I don't think so. I'd still call you a 'shipper, going on what you've said. I think it's that you 'shipped them once that counts, even if you don't 'ship them anymore. But I don't know. I'll let someone who's been a Buffy fan and Spuffy 'shipper longer than I have answer. 🙂

caitaintdead said:

Are there different levels of shipping?

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I'd say so. Depending on how serious you are about it. We got our fanatical shippers but to me you're still a shipper if there's a relationship where you care if they stay together or maybe "just" get together at all. To me you can enjoy a relationship but not be a shipper. I'm a Cangel among others but I still don't see anything wrong with Coyle. I just don't ship them since it's not who I want Cordelia to be with. If that makes any sense.

Who you ship or not can change all the time. I don't see any trouble with that. Then you have the shipping that depends on what time in their life the characters are. To me you can like and appriciate a couple at a certain point but if they've since moved on and you don't think they should be together again I personally wouldn't call you a shipper but I don't think everyone will agree with that. You can always call yourself an "early" Spuffy shipper. 😉

Well I asked once how does one define shipping, here.

Kana said:

Well I asked once how does one define shipping, here.

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I really agree with your definition and assessment. It's nicely put.

As for Cait shipping Spuffy or not, I say you do Cait. I mean you don't have to want them to end up together past canon. Under Kana's definition, you'd be a "Celebrating the Ship" shipper. A lot of Spuffies are "Hopeful Shippers" but just because you're a different kind of shipper doesn't make you not one.

I think that "shipper" is a self-identification thing. If you call yourself a shipper, then you are one.

I consider myself a shipper just cause I really enjoy the couple. I think that's what constitutes a shipper. You don't necessarily have to root for that couple to be the endgame.

OTPs, on the other hand...I'm guessing with those you ARE rooting for them to be together in the end. But you can be a shipper of a relationship without having them be your OTP. I'm pretty sure, lol. I'm relatively new to shipping and fandom, but that's just what I've gathered.

Sorry, but what's OTP stand for?

Also, Kana - awesome break down of different shippers!

A very interesting question Cait, that I don't think there can be an agreed upon definitive answer.

What constitutes a shipper?
These days the term has become watered down to the extent where if someone says they ship a pairing it basically means "like".

However, I'd say a true shipper is someone who actually creates new content for their chosen ship.

Anyone who follows the ship in a passive role by only looking at the artwork, reading the fan fiction or watching the videos made by others is merely a "fan of that ship".

Are there different levels of shipping?
Certainly. There are those so passionate about a ship that they will spend all their time exploring that ship alone, aggressively defending it. In counterpoint to those you then have those who can enjoy spending time with that ship, then move on to enjoy spending time within another ship, even if one of the same characters is involved. I'm quite sure you could probably create lots of categories for shippers to define them even further, for example:

1) Devout "“ One pair and only that pair.
2) Faithful "“ One character only, but in several different ships.
3) Focused "“ Has several ships they follow, but only those few.
4) Eclectic "“ Can enjoy almost any pairing.

Mindfiend said:

However, I'd say a true shipper is someone who actually creates new content for their chosen ship.

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If we go by that I have no problem to admit that I'm not a shipper.

Mindfiend said:

However, I'd say a true shipper is someone who actually creates new content for their chosen ship.

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Does it count if we make them in our head? I mean, I've made some Spuffy and Tillow artwork... those are my two big ships.... but I've made countless videos in my head. I just haven't had the patience to edit them together.

Mindfiend said:

However, I'd say a true shipper is someone who actually creates new content for their chosen ship.

Anyone who follows the ship in a passive role by only looking at the artwork, reading the fan fiction or watching the videos made by others is merely a "fan of that ship"

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I'm not entirely sure I agree with that. In the Spuffy fandom alone, there are people who have been in the fandom for years, who read and review almost every single Spuffy fanfiction posted at one of the archives... and I think they'd be pretty put-out to hear they weren't classed as shippers. They love Spuffy just as much as the people who create the fanfic and the fanart.

Okay, so since I do in fact write FF showcasing "Bugs and Daffy" (My old pet name for Spuffy.) that would make me a shipper. I don't like that it takes away from the people who just enjoy the couple and read my stuff. Tell you what; everyone who follows and supports a couple is a shipper. If you make original content featuring that couple you are a ship's steward. If you're as awesome and undeniably sexy as me you can be a captain.

But then I might show up at your door saying....COME SAIL AWAY, COME SAIL AWAY...COME SAIL AWAY WIT...sorry; tangent over, please continue.

xaphania said:

I'm not entirely sure I agree with that. In the Spuffy fandom alone, there are people who have been in the fandom for years, who read and review almost every single Spuffy fanfiction posted at one of the archives... and I think they'd be pretty put-out to hear they weren't classed as shippers. They love Spuffy just as much as the people who create the fanfic and the fanart.

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*smiles* As I said, not really possible for people to agree on an answer to the question.

Of course, the chosen term, shipper, is a clever double play on words. It does not just relate to "relationship" but also the the original word itself. A shipper is someone who delivers goods to others. If all you do is look at, watch and read, then you're more of a consumer, an audience, or even customer.

But it doesn't really matter, does it? All that matters is that we all love the buffyverse (or whichever 'verse). The more people who do that, the better.

caitaintdead said:

Okay, I was going to post in the thread Spuffy vs Bangel, but I guess it's going quite off topic so it might deserve it's own thread.

So the question I want to ask is basically what constitutes a shipper? Are there different levels of shipping?

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From what I've seen? Yes. There are definitely different levels of 'shipping. I've met some girls, especially in the SPN fandom, do are really, uh, intense about it. Then there are others who just simply appreciate a certain relationship.

For example - do I ship Spuffy? I enjoyed watching their relationship, I thought it was exciting, sexy and incredibly interesting. I support what the ship was about, and believe that Spike and Buffy truly loved each other.

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I don't think jut simply being in appreciaton of a 'ship makes one a 'shipper. It's more than that, it's a belief that you think the couple belongs together. At least that's how I see it.

I've always said I ship Spuffy because I like that sexy, fiery, interesting dynamic. I believed in the story that was being told, and I think that they could have been so much more.
On the other hand, I don't believe they should be together any more. I think they both need to move on. Have I stopped shipping Spuffy due to this realization?

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I don't think they should move on. I think they should take up where they left off. They never had a real chance.

Do I think B/A should move on? Hell yes. Why? If anything, because they've had a chance and it's clear that the only thing they bring each other is tragedy.

I think you're a Spuffy 'shipper, even though you don't think they belong together. Loving and believing in what they had is more than enough.

Mindfiend said:

1) Devout – One pair and only that pair.
2) Faithful – One character only, but in several different ships.
3) Focused – Has several ships they follow, but only those few.
4) Eclectic – Can enjoy almost any pairing.

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I must be a Devout, then. It sounds so religious, lol.

I truly believe that Spike is the one for Buffy, and that Buffy is the one for Spike. And yes, I defend them all the time. I regularly read fan fiction featuring the couple (in fact, it's the only fic I read). They're my main interest in this series and what keeps me interested in the fandom.

And I agree that you don't have to create new content to be a 'shipper.

Joan the Vampire Slayer said:

...I don't think they should move on. I think they should take up where they left off. They never had a real chance.

Do I think B/A should move on? Hell yes. Why? If anything, because they've had a chance and it's clear that the only thing they bring each other is tragedy.

I think you're a Spuffy 'shipper, even though you don't think they belong together. Loving and believing in what they had is more than enough.


I must be a Devout, then. It sounds so religious, lol.

I truly believe that Spike is the one for Buffy, and that Buffy is the one for Spike. And yes, I defend them all the time. I regularly read fan fiction featuring the couple (in fact, it's the only fic I read). They're my main interest in this series and what keeps me interested in the fandom.

And I agree that you don't have to create new content to be a 'shipper.

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This pretty much sums up my thoughts on all that.

"http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4923/38114440645fce7c7ab2.jpg"

Rules said no linking; so remove quotations.