*Ten MORE Commandments!*

The Ten Commandments for Open Poetry Mics

1. Thou Shalt Not read for more than the allotted time.

2. Thou Shalt Not spend more time explaining your poem than it takes to read it.

3. Thou Shalt Not apologize for your poem beforehand.

4. Thou Shalt Not brag that your poem was written just moments before you got to the mic.

5. Thou Shalt Not sign up to read, then disappear until it's your turn.

6. Thou Shalt Not harass, distract or heckle the reader in progress.

7. Thou Shalt Not leave the reading immediately after you've read, except in the event of an
    Emergency or a Prior Commitment, and with Profuse Apologies offered.

8. Thou Shalt Not arrive late to a reading and then expect to be able to read.

9. Thou Shalt Not have a Neverending Sign-Up Sheet.

10. Thou Shalt Not neglect to Publicize your reading in every possible forum: newspapers,
     magazines, email, social networks and other readings. This goes for Both Featured Readers and
     Hosts.