History Main / ShippIng

Of all the obsessions that universally afflict fandom, {{Shipping}} is by far the most persistent, widespread and prone to be SeriousBusiness. It knows no boundaries of age, demographic and gender [[note]]contrary to expectations one might reasonably have involving Yaoi/Yuri-worshipping, fan fiction writing, squealing teenage girls[[/note]]. This might raise an eyebrow or two on first inspection, but honestly, shipping is just a consequence of plain old human nature: we are wired to seek a romantic partner in such a powerful, fundamental way that some of us even get a considerable kick out of doing it by proxy -- and fictional characters are plentiful, easy to relate to, often [[EverybodyIsSingle in want of someone to make out with]], usually [[HappilyEverAfter get their happy ending]], and hardly ever fall out of love. We wish we were them. We are drawn to reimagining ourselves in their place like moths to the flame.

{{Canon}} and authorial intent do not dictate people's shipping preference. You'd be hard-pressed to find ''anything'' that honestly puts any sort of restraint on shipping preference. Characters may be shipped despite being [[ToyShip still in grade school]], [[HetIsEw of the wrong sexuality]], [[BrotherSisterIncest siblings]] or [[{{Twincest}} twins]], JustFriends, [[FoeYay mortal enemies]] [[SlapSlapKiss or just generally the bane of each other's existence]], separated by an age gap of [[MayDecemberRomance decades]] or [[MayflyDecemberRomance centuries]], [[CrossoverShip not of the same narrative continuum]], [[NoHuggingNoKissing part of a story where romance just isn't an issue]], [[CargoShip inanimate objects]], [[ShipsThatPassInTheNight nigh total strangers]], [[PairTheSpares considered as a possible couple at all only because they're both left single after you're done pairing everybody else]], [[AngelDevilShipping polar opposites in terms of morality]], [[CrackPairing extremely implausible as a couple by design]] or even [[ShipSinking outright denied to ever possibly get together]] by WordOfGod. Even when the source material goes as far as to have an OfficialCouple, sometimes [[RelationshipWritingFumble fumbling]] [[StrangledByTheRedString execution]] or ValuesDissonance will drive fans towards emotional investments [[FanPreferredCouple diametric to those the author intended]]. TheILoveYouStigma, occasionally invoked by some productions, further complicates matters, even if the characters [[LoveConfession express the sentiment]] [[ActOfTrueLove this in other ways]].

{{Canon}} and authorial intent do not dictate people's shipping preference. You'd be hard-pressed to find ''anything'' that honestly puts any sort of restraint on shipping preference. Characters may be shipped despite being [[ToyShip still in grade school]], [[HetIsEw of the wrong sexuality]], [[BrotherSisterIncest siblings]] or [[{{Twincest}} twins]], JustFriends, [[FoeYay mortal enemies]] [[SlapSlapKiss or just generally the bane of each other's existence]], separated by an age gap of [[MayDecemberRomance decades]] or [[MayflyDecemberRomance centuries]], [[CrossoverShip not of the same narrative continuum]], [[NoHuggingNoKissing part of a story where romance just isn't an issue]], [[CargoShip inanimate objects]], [[ShipsThatPassInTheNight nigh total strangers]], [[PairTheSpares considered as a possible couple at all only because they're both left single after you're done pairing everybody else]], [[AngelDevilShipping polar opposites in terms of morality]], [[CrackPairing extremely implausible as a couple by design]] or even [[ShipSinking outright denied to ever possibly get together]] by WordOfGod. Even when the source material goes as far as to have an OfficialCouple, sometimes [[RelationshipWritingFumble fumbling]] [[StrangledByTheRedString execution]] or ValuesDissonance will drive fans towards emotional investments [[FanPreferredCouple diametric to those the author intended]].

The term "shipping" is often invoked even with canonical, on-screen relationships (for example, "Olicity", or the relationship between Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak in ''Series/{{Arrow}}'' which is a verifiable on-screen relationship. This muddies the waters somewhat as you end up with discussions of established pairings alongside those that are mere wishful thinking (such as Oliver and any of the various "Canary" characters on ''Arrow'' or Barry Allen and Felicity).

The term "shipping" is often invoked even with canonical, on-screen relationships (for example, "Olicity", or the relationship between Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak in ''[[Series/{{Arrow}}]]'' which is a verifiable on-screen relationship. This muddies the waters somewhat as you end up with discussions of established pairings alongside those that are mere wishful thinking (such as Oliver and any of the various "Canary" characters on ''Arrow'' or Barry Allen and Felicity).

There's a whole nomenclature dedicated to Quick, Easy and IdiosyncraticShipNaming, often varying from fandom to fandom. The most basic tool of communication here is the slash -- if you wanted Alice and Bob to get together you could always say you shipped Alice/Bob. However, for most fandoms that's just not exotic enough. They will not be content with anything less than a short, sweet and catchy brand name -- the more [[IncrediblyLamePun Incredibly Lame]] the Pun, the better (''Franchise/HarryPotter'' fandom actually named ships the "HMS this-and-that"). Shipping culture has also imported the PortmanteauCoupleName from Japanese {{Anime}} fandom; apart from its infamous usage in the gossip industry ("[[BradPitt Bra]][[AngelinaJolie ngelina]]", "[[Creator/BenAffleck Ben]][[JenniferLopez nifer]]", "[[TomCruise Tom]][[KatieHolmes Kat]]") you can find people online declaring themselves fans of "[[IronMan Pepperony]]", "[[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer Wuffara]]", "[[{{Naruto}} [=NaruHina=]]]", "[[VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia Sheelos]]", "[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Applepie]]", and "[[TheOffice Jam]]". Yes, Jam. Needless to say, if some series has ThemeNaming shippers ''will'' exploit it JustForPun -- In RealLife, 3/4 is just a rational number greater than one half and lesser than one. [[YouAreNumberSix Not so]] in ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'' fandom and ''GundamWing'' fandom)[[note]] Though not everybody necessary likes 3/4 and may want to ship them with other numbers[[/note]].

Of all the obsessions that universally afflict fandom, {{Shipping}} is by far the most persistent, widespread and prone to be SeriousBusiness. It knows no boundaries of age, demographic and gender [[note]]contrary to expectations one might reasonably have involving Yaoi/Yuri-worshipping, fan fiction writing[[/note]]. This might raise an eyebrow or two on first inspection, but honestly, shipping is just a consequence of plain old human nature: we are wired to seek a romantic partner in such a powerful, fundamental way that some of us even get a considerable kick out of doing it by proxy -- and fictional characters are plentiful, easy to relate to, often [[EverybodyIsSingle in want of someone to make out with]], usually [[HappilyEverAfter get their happy ending]], and hardly ever fall out of love. We wish we were them. We are drawn to reimagining ourselves in their place like moths to the flame.

There's a whole nomenclature dedicated to Quick, Easy and IdiosyncraticShipNaming, often varying from fandom to fandom. The most basic tool of communication here is the slash -- if you wanted Alice and Bob to get together you could always say you shipped Alice/Bob. However, for most fandoms that's just not exotic enough. They will not be content with anything less than a short, sweet and catchy brand name -- the more [[IncrediblyLamePun Incredibly Lame]] the Pun, the better (''Franchise/HarryPotter'' fandom actually named ships the "HMS this-and-that"). Shipping culture has also imported the PortmanteauCoupleName from Japanese {{Anime}} fandom; apart from its infamous usage in the gossip industry ("[[BradPitt Bra]][[AngelinaJolie ngelina]]", "[[Creator/BenAffleck Ben]][[JenniferLopez nifer]]", "[[TomCruise Tom]][[KatieHolmes Kat]]") you can find people online declaring themselves fans of "[[IronMan Pepperony]]", "[[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer Wuffara]]", "[[{{Naruto}} [=NaruHina=]]]", "[[VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia Sheelos]]", "[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Applepie]]", and "[[TheOffice Jam]]". Yes, Jam. Needless to say, if some series has ThemeNaming shippers ''will'' exploit it JustForPun -- In RealLife, 3/4 is just a rational number greater than one half and lesser than one. [[YouAreNumberSix Not so]] in ''CodenameKidsNextDoor'' fandom and ''GundamWing'' fandom)[[note]] Though not everybody necessary likes 3/4 and may want to ship them with other numbers[[/note]].

Of all the obsessions that universally afflict fandom, {{Shipping}} is by far the most persistent, widespread and prone to be SeriousBusiness. It knows no boundaries of age, demographic and gender [[note]]contrary to expectations one might reasonably have involving [[YaoiFangirl Yaoi-worshipping]], [[MostFanficWritersAreGirls fan fiction writing]], ChickFlick-addicted, squealing teeny boppers[[/note]]. This might raise an eyebrow or two on first inspection, but honestly, shipping is just a consequence of plain old human nature: we are wired to seek a romantic partner in such a powerful, fundamental way that some of us even get a considerable kick out of doing it by proxy -- and fictional characters are plentiful, easy to relate to, often [[EverybodyIsSingle in want of someone to make out with]], usually [[HappilyEverAfter get their happy ending]], and hardly ever fall out of love. We wish we were them. We are drawn to reimagining ourselves in their place like moths to the flame.

There's a whole nomenclature dedicated to Quick, Easy and IdiosyncraticShipNaming, often varying from fandom to fandom. The most basic tool of communication here is the slash -- if you wanted Alice and Bob to get together you could always say you shipped Alice/Bob. However, for most fandoms that's just not exotic enough. They will not be content with anything less than a short, sweet and catchy brand name -- the more [[IncrediblyLamePun Incredibly Lame]] the Pun, the better (''Franchise/HarryPotter'' fandom actually named ships the "HMS this-and-that"). Shipping culture has also imported the PortmanteauCoupleName from Japanese {{Anime}} fandom; apart from its infamous usage in the gossip industry ("[[BradPitt Bra]][[AngelinaJolie ngelina]]", "[[Creator/BenAffleck Ben]][[JenniferLopez nifer]]", "[[TomCruise Tom]][[KatieHolmes Kat]]") you can find people online declaring themselves fans of "[[IronMan Pepperony]]", "[[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer Wuffara]]", "[[{{Naruto}} [=NaruHina=]]]", "[[VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia Sheelos]]", "[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Applepie]]", and "[[TheOffice Jam]]". Yes, Jam. Needless to say, if some series has ThemeNaming shippers ''will'' exploit it JustForPun -- In RealLife, 3/4 is just a rational number greater than one half and lesser than one. [[YouAreNumberSix Not so]] in ''CodenameKidsNextDoor'' fandom and ''GundamWing'' fandom).

The term "Shipping" -- which ostensibly derives from "Relationship" (though it might as well be "Worship") -- was originally coined by fans of ''Series/TheXFiles'', who were divided between "relationshippers" pushing for romance and "noromos" who would rather have [[NoHuggingNoKissing No Hugging and No Kissing]]. The phenomenon itself, however, was ubiquitous in practically every fandom long before. The source of the term's popularity is shrouded in myth, but Geek Mythology has it that you can blame people in the ''[[{{Anime/Pokemon}} Pokémon]]'' anime's fandom who rooted for Jessie and James (of Team Rocket) to get together and decided to call themselves "[[AWorldWidePunomenon Rocketshippers]]". This got the term to catch on in that fandom, then people brought it with them to other fandoms, and today [[{{Wikipedia}} The Other Wiki]] needs a tiny disambiguation note at the top of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping its article on maritime delivery of goods]].

There's a whole nomenclature dedicated to Quick, Easy and IdiosyncraticShipNaming, often varying from fandom to fandom. The most basic tool of communication here is the slash -- if you wanted Alice and Bob to get together you could always say you shipped Alice/Bob. However, for most fandoms that's just not exotic enough. They will not be content with anything less than a short, sweet and catchy brand name -- the more [[IncrediblyLamePun Incredibly Lame]] the Pun, the better (''Franchise/HarryPotter'' fandom actually named ships the "HMS this-and-that"). Shipping culture has also imported the PortmanteauCoupleName from Japanese {{Anime}} fandom; apart from its infamous usage in the gossip industry ("[[BradPitt Bra]][[AngelinaJolie ngelina]]", "[[Creator/BenAffleck Ben]][[JenniferLopez nifer]]", "[[TomCruise Tom]][[KatieHolmes Kat]]") you can find people online declaring themselves fans of "[[IronMan Pepperony]]", "[[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer Wuffara]]", "[[{{Naruto}} [=NaruHina=]]]", "[[VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia Sheelos]]" and "[[TheOffice Jam]]". Yes, Jam. Needless to say, if some series has ThemeNaming shippers ''will'' exploit it JustForPun -- In RealLife, 3/4 is just a rational number greater than one half and lesser than one. [[YouAreNumberSix Not so]] in ''CodenameKidsNextDoor'' fandom and ''GundamWing'' fandom).

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[note]]For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.[[/note]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.

The term "Shipping" -- which ostensibly derives from "Relationship" (though it might as well be "Worship") -- was originally coined by fans of ''TheXFiles'', who were divided between "relationshippers" pushing for romance and "noromos" who would rather have [[NoHuggingNoKissing No Hugging and No Kissing]]. The phenomenon itself, however, was ubiquitous in practically every fandom long before. The source of the term's popularity is shrouded in myth, but Geek Mythology has it that you can blame people in the ''[[{{Anime/Pokemon}} Pokémon]]'' anime's fandom who rooted for Jessie and James (of Team Rocket) to get together and decided to call themselves "[[AWorldWidePunomenon Rocketshippers]]". This got the term to catch on in that fandom, then people brought it with them to other fandoms, and today [[{{Wikipedia}} The Other Wiki]] needs a tiny disambiguation note at the top of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping its article on maritime delivery of goods]].

Shipping is all about the anticipation. Paragraphs and essays and counter-essays weighing megabytes at dozens of pages will be written about who ''will'' get together, who ''should'' get together, and what the disciplines of political science and feminism and probability theory have to say about the issue (the above is NotHyperbole). No ecstatic shipper has ever written a gigantic dissertation titled "Hurray!! AliceAndBob! FINALLY!!" or any fandom equivalent. People will argue endlessly about the romantic future of nearly any given ensemble, but if that point should actually be resolved, the discussions will basically go through a round of ranting and gloating and then unceremoniously run out of steam.

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[note]]For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.[[/note]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there[[note]]Just ask [[{{Film/BeingJohnMalkovich}} Malkovich]][[/note]]. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.

Of all the obsessions that universally afflict fandom, {{Shipping}} is by far the most persistent, widespread and prone to be SeriousBusiness. It knows no boundaries of age, demographic and gender [[note]]contrary to expectations one might reasonably have involving [[YaoiFangirl Yaoi-worshipping]], [[MostFanficWritersAreGirls fan fiction writing]], ChickFlick-addicted, squealing teeny boppers[[/note]]. This might raise an eyebrow or two on first inspection, but honestly, shipping is just a consequence of plain old human nature: we are wired to seek a romantic partner in such a powerful, fundamental way that we even get a considerable kick out of doing it by proxy -- and fictional characters are plentiful, easy to relate to, often [[EverybodyIsSingle in want of someone to make out with]], usually [[HappilyEverAfter get their happy ending]], and hardly ever fall out of love. We wish we were them. We are drawn to reimagining ourselves in their place like moths to the flame.

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[note]]For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.[[/note]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there[[note]]Just ask [[{{Film/BeingJohnMalkovich}} Malkovich[[/note]]. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[note]]For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.[[/note]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there[[hottip:*:Just ask [[{{Film/BeingJohnMalkovich}} Malkovich]]. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[note]]For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.[[/note]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.

Of all the obsessions that universally afflict fandom, {{Shipping}} is by far the most persistent, widespread and prone to be SeriousBusiness. It knows no boundaries of age, demographic and gender [[note]]contrary to expectations one might reasonably have involving [[YaoiFangirl Yaoi-worshipping]], [[MostFanficWritersAreGirls fan fiction writing]], ChickFlick-addicted, squealing teeny boppers[[/note]]. This might raise an eyebrow or two on first inspection, but honestly, shipping is just a consequence of plain old human nature: we are wired to seek a romantic partner in such a powerful, fundamental way that we even get a considerable kick out of doing it by proxy -- and fictional characters are plenty, easy to relate to, often [[EverybodyIsSingle in want of someone to make out with]], usually [[HappilyEverAfter get their happy ending]] and hardly ever fall out of love. We wish we were them. We are drawn to reimagining ourselves in their place like moths to the flame.

The term "Shipping" -- which ostensibly derives from "Relationship" (though it might as well be "Worship") -- was originally coined by fans of ''TheXFiles'', who were divided between "relationshippers" pushing for romance and "noromos" who would rather have [[NoHuggingNoKissing No Hugging and No Kissing]]. The phenomenon itself, however, was ubiquitous in practically every fandom long before. The source of the term's popularity is shrouded in myth, but Geek Mythology has it that you can blame people in the ''[[{{Anime/Pokemon}} Pokémon]]'' anime's fandom who rooted for Jessie and James (of Team Rocket) to get together and decided to call themselves "[[AWorldWidePunomenon Rocketshippers]]". This got the term to catch on in that fandom, then people brought it with them to other fandoms and this is why as of today [[{{Wikipedia}} The Other Wiki]] needs a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping tiny disambiguation note]] at the top of its article on maritime delivery of goods.

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[labelnote:For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.

Of all the obsessions that universally afflict fandom, {{Shipping}} is by far the most persistent, widespread and prone to be SeriousBusiness. It knows no boundaries of age, demographic and gender.[[labelnote:*]]contrary to expectations one might reasonably have involving [[YaoiFangirl Yaoi-worshipping]], [[MostFanficWritersAreGirls fan fiction writing]], ChickFlick-addicted, squealing teeny boppers[[/labelnote]] This might raise an eyebrow or two on first inspection, but honestly, shipping is just a consequence of plain old human nature: we are wired to seek a romantic partner in such a powerful, fundamental way that we even get a considerable kick out of doing it by proxy -- and fictional characters are plenty, easy to relate to, often [[EverybodyIsSingle in want of someone to make out with]], usually [[HappilyEverAfter get their happy ending]] and hardly ever fall out of love. We wish we were them. We are drawn to reimagining ourselves in their place like moths to the flame.

There's a whole nomenclature dedicated to Quick, Easy and IdiosyncraticShipNaming, often varying from fandom to fandom. The most basic tool of communication here is the slash -- if you wanted Alice and Bob to get together you could always say you shipped Alice/Bob. However, for most fandoms that's just not exotic enough. They will not be content with anything less than a short, sweet and catchy brand name -- the more [[IncrediblyLamePun Incredibly Lame]] the Pun, the better (''HarryPotter'' fandom actually named ships the "HMS this-and-that"). Shipping culture has also imported the PortmanteauCoupleName from Japanese {{Anime}} fandom; apart from its infamous usage in the gossip industry ("[[BradPitt Bra]][[AngelinaJolie ngelina]]", "[[Creator/BenAffleck Ben]][[JenniferLopez nifer]]", "[[TomCruise Tom]][[KatieHolmes Kat]]") you can find people online declaring themselves fans of "[[IronMan Pepperony]]", "[[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer Wuffara]]", "[[{{Naruto}} [=NaruHina=]]]", "[[VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia Sheelos]]" and "[[TheOffice Jam]]". Yes, Jam. Needless to say, if some series has ThemeNaming shippers ''will'' exploit it JustForPun -- In RealLife, 3/4 is just a rational number greater than one half and lesser than one. [[YouAreNumberSix Not so]] in ''CodenameKidsNextDoor'' fandom and ''GundamWing'' fandom).

As far as omnipresent forces of nature go, shipping is up there with [[TheThreeCertaintiesInLife Death and Taxes]]; an "Example Section" would just be a list of works popular enough to have a member of their fandom happen to come across this page. Suffice to say that on any show, "Alice/Bob is popular and so is Eve/Mallory, though there is [[ShippingWars lots of vitriol]] between supporters of Gum/Popsicle and Twix/Popsicle", up to minor variations. For an example with some unique flavor to it, you might want to look into ShippingTropes.

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[/labelnote:For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.

Somehow, this leads to vitriolic forum threads with a hundred times the activity of all the other threads in the forum combined, titled something like "[[ShipToShipCombat will Bob get together with Alice or Eve? Round 997!]]" [[hottip:*:For all we know, this very well may have actually been a thread title in a Cryptography forum.]] Which in hindsight is understandable, given that when a lot of fans are projecting themselves into one character, it's bound to get very crowded in there. Really, put just ''two'' fans in a room and give them five minutes or so, and they'll get into an argument to the death about [[FanDumb some incredibly fundamental fandom issue]]; having hundreds of fans in the same internet is just asking for trouble. And when you ask for trouble, what you get is, in the words of [[JKRowling J.K. Rowling]], scary and vehement cyber gang warfare.