Why is that a bad idea? This is from the Shure website!!
If hum increases when a human hand is brought near the phono cartridge headshell, it is likely that the metal shield in the cartridge is not being grounded by the connections. If a plastic headshell is used, the metal grounding clip on the cartridge terminal marked "RG" should be in place. If a metal shell is used, and the hum is steady, removing the grounding clip may help. If the hum persists, replace the clip and proceed to next step.
If hum increases when a human hand is brought near the phono cartridge headshell, it is likely that the metal shield in the cartridge is not being grounded by the connections. If a plastic headshell is used, the metal grounding clip on the cartridge terminal marked "RG" should be in place. If a metal shell is used, and the hum is steady, removing the grounding clip may help. If the hum persists, replace the clip and proceed to next step.