So I've been thinking about the somewhat controversial topic of wet
playback as I'm working in dry conditions currently. What I am thinking is
it usually is talked about in terms of lubrication (or it seems to me). I
am thinking what if it creates increased localized humidity around the
disc as the water evaporates reducing static charge and thus static
discharge from disc to stylus (and also aids in conduction of static charge
to the surrounding air). This doesn't really apply to the use of non-water
wet playback clearly (unless water is a component, in which maybe it
does?). Has this possibility been discussed in the past (as a somewhat noob
here)? I'd be curious on respectful thoughts or experience on this.

While in no way a citable source in a paper this speaks to it a little:
http://electrostaticsolutions.blogspot.com/2005/01/are-air-temperature-and-humidity.html

The blog entry also suggests that adding something such as photo flow
 would prevent beading would be useful (not photo flow by name, but
mentions "no droplets). Which the addition was mentioned in a post by Mr.
Pomeroy in the arsclist archives from 2008 (but I've heard it mentioned in
many other venues also in different use situations).

Hope the holidays is treating everyone well.

Nathan Coy