[Air-l] Internet information sources

As a member of many academic and hobby mailing lists I'm regularly struck by requests to the list for information that could have been uncovered by a web search. Today for example there was an 'urgent' request on a list for info on Terrence Malick's use of Walt Whitman, from a Cultural Studies professor. A web search on the two names brought up a number of good articles. Anyone know whether this is widespread, or have any explanation why Internet users would email others for information rather than search the web? Cheers, Marj Dr Marjorie Kibby, Senior Lecturer in Communication & Culture The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia Marj.Kibby@newcastle.edu.au +61 2 49216604