Placing your record on a spinning turntable.

Why oh why?

I've been changing spinning records for over fifty years with no issues whatsoever. Motors don't like being shut off and on again over and over. So what' the harm?

Dan

While it is not the norm. I have certainly done it in the past. Typically with the VPI turntable I had for twenty years. Since the platter / motor has so much momentum it is a pain to wait to stop it. I also have 2,000 albums, most in pristine condition still. 
 

I now have a Linn. The table stops rotating quickly. So, I have not been inclined to do it. 

Just for fun I ran the question through a couple AIs. The output was not at all convincing to me that it could produce any harm. It really requires some mental gymnastics to come up with farfetched reasons not to. 
 

I would definitely continue the practice. Life is too short to waste time. 
 

I can't imagine it being a problem as long as you keep using that felt mat on top of the platter. I wouldn't do what's being described with an acrylic or other hard material for fear of the micro scratches that would be the almost certain result.

NO, NO, NO

Aren't you using a center weight?

My JVC TT81 (many of their models) has a start/stop while powered on.

My old Thorens TD124

had a 9lb cast iron main platter that kept on spinning, while you lifted with a lever, an overlay thin platter that stopped spinning, change the lp, then drop the lightweight platter down onto the 9 lb platter. Instant start, method for radio stations  who probably had two setup and an emergency spare.