Why do you see so many people pinching the edge of the record with their fingers to pull it out? I see it on commercials, SM and so called record guru's. Haven't we learned the residual oils end up ruining the first songs? I can't wrap my head around why folks still do it.
Sometimes it's the only way to get it out if the sleeve is tight. I often have to do it on newly-bought records with paper sleeves if they're static-glued to the sleeve.
Though to answer your question directly, I think the answer is because it's easy and most people (read: non-discoggers) aren't neurotic about getting some oil on the lead-in.
Ever seen how DJ's handle records? they'll grab right on the grooves.
Are you supposed to shake it out?! I am not a Jedi so I can't make it float out without touching the edge. The ones that are in there seriously with static you can blow inside and get the sleeve to come off the record and they slide right out. I know you can reach in and touch the label and the edge to get out. I have DJ records that have been touched for years and over 40 years old. Ultrasonic cleaned and play perfect. I'm not trying to preserve my collection so my great great great great great grand kids can play them 200 years form now.
One thing I do to remove new records from their inner sleeves, which are often tightly clamped onto the vinyl with static charge, is to blow into the area between the paper and vinyl.
Silly trick, but it works in a majority of situations.
