I'm not sure if anyone watches a show with the intention of shipping. For me, when it has happened, it's always kind of crept up on me. BOOM! A ship in my heart. I try not to because like it was mentioned before by another poster, that it can cloud your enjoyment of a show. Also, I've seen how resentful some people become of not only the characters but also of the writers, creators, and actors when their ship is not sailing properly.
I've only got one ship at the moment, and I'll be damned if I won't keep my head straight about it.
Trying to make this thread pretty for Masca, who did an awesome job in the OP!