I think copying and pasting search results are good, as long as you have information to back up these search results. If you just copy and paste a bunch of links, that's great if that's what the person was looking for. However, if you provide a little more information, that always helps. Saying something like, "these links are good because..." as that really piques my interest to actually go visit the links. Some answers a few links will do the job, while others I expect to see more. And, yes I sometimes ask because I just don't feel like searching for it myself.
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There are times when I am short on time and offer a tip for someone to do the search for me. In doing this I also find people's opinions which can lead to something deeper than a lot of links. I believe there are benefits to an answer that is just links or of an answer that is an opinion or the big explanation answer of self experience, it is all good and relevant and important. When I give an answer I try to include as much as possible, pics, videos, opinion, and links. I agree with @easyeboy that it is ok to copy and paste as long as it is clear that is what you had done and a brief description of why the links are good is a good thing as well. All in all I really like the answers that appear on M.A. even if it is a silly answer that makes me laugh, humor has value as well!
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It depends on the question. On some questions (who did the best instrumental) I am looking for an opinion. On some questions (where can I buy a good netbook) I am looking for a link. On a few questions, (what is the best book on evolution and where can I find it) I am looking for both.
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I think that links suffice in some cases. especially when the questions are from twitter. Seems to be the simplest and most direct approach for mobile users to be able to just follow a link.
Source(s):
Jacob Wayne Peacock

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