Etymology of "shipper"?

Can anyone tell me the origin of the term "shipper"? I've gleaned from it's use here, that it means someone who wants to see two particular characters get together. Is that right, or are there some finer points to it? Is it short for something?

"John Mack" wrote in message news:[email]...

Gladly.

Etymology: Relationship + er -> 'shipper -> shipper.

Definition: A fan who wants to see a (usu. romantic) development in the relationship between two characters.

Martin. Picky which threads I read, cos I'm spoiler sensitive!

Martin Sylvester wrote in message news:9cc547$vls$[email]...

Usually Trent and Daria.

Mark Whickman wrote:

Yes, the fan who wants to see a (usually romantic) development in the relationship between two characters usually wants to see it between Trent and Daria -- IF the fan's a Daria fan. However, there are other fans who want to see a romantic development in the relationship between two other characters on the show -- say, between Tom and Daria, or between Daria and a (created) character, or between Mack and Jodie, or between Kevin and Brittany, or between Quinn and one of her many admirers, just to name a few of the possibilities). And shippers aren't solely confined to the "Daria" series. There are other series which have fans who would be classified as "shippers" -- I think "The X-Files" has some who want to see Mulder and Scully come together.

Belle Book

Belle Book wrote in message news:[email]...

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Ever read a sonic fanfic by a pre-pubescent fanboy?

If not I'll shut up.

On Fri, 27 Apr 2001 16:59:23 +0100, "Martin Sylvester" wrote:

Thank you!