"I'm addicted to email, but other than that, there are practical things - being able to buy a book on the internet that you can't find in your local bookshop. This could be a lifeline if you live further from the sources"

Marilyn Hacker is highlighting the practical advantages of the internet, such as the capability to buy books that might not be available in local book shops. This is particularly beneficial for those who reside in more remote locations, as the internet can supply them with access to books that they might not have actually been able to find otherwise. Regardless of her dependency to email, Hacker recognizes the practical advantages of the web, and how it can be a lifeline for those who live further far from sources. She is emphasizing the importance of the internet in offering access to resources that might not be available in one's local area.