You Own the Mic: The Emergence of Online Poetry Readings

In early 2020, the pandemic struck with most of the world facing indefinite lockdown. Poets were just one of many groups taking to the internet with the hopes of forming or maintaining bonds during uncertain times. Then came the advent of Zoom, and the online open mic became popularized. Not since the introduction of slam poetry were spoken word venues changed so completely with no apparent road back to the simple days of pages and podiums. What were the positive effects? the negative? What does the future hold? This panel features a group of organizers whose poetry venues and events were transformed seemingly forever as online forums became the new normal.