Question 1

Do I have to wear a mask when I am performing?

Accepted Answer

This is up to your discretion. We cannot force you to wear a mask, although we highly encourage it for your own safety and for others in light of the still very present pandemic. We adhere to the requirements of the venue. If an event is 10+ persons, we will ask performers to wear a mask so please respect this.

Question 2

Timeliness

Accepted Answer

Being on time for an event is important. Deadbeat Poets Society is a relatively new organization, but we ask to be notified if you are late for any reason. We are more relaxed for this policy when it comes to open mic nights that we may host with a small group of people.   For planned, venue based events - we will remove you from a performer list if you are more than 20 minutes late with no notice. Obviously circumstances could change this with proper explanation - however, if none are given, this will apply and you will not be asked to perform at future events. We would not waste your time, so please do not waste ours.

Question 3

How old do I have to be perform?

Accepted Answer

Over the age of 18 - at minimum. We may have events depending on the theme where minors can perform when accompanied by an adult. However, some venues (bars) may require us to raise this age to 21.

Question 4

Do I have to have my poetry memorized?

Accepted Answer

For more relaxed settings like meetings, open mics or small group events - no. The experience is to allow constructive feedback without the anxiety of impressing those around you. For planned events, such as events that require audio technicians or a full scale performance - we require work to be memorized.

Question 5

Am I allowed to drink or use cannabis at certain events?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the location, yes we allow this but we ask for you to be professional. Any belligerent activity or impoliteness may result in us not asking you back.

Question 6

Do I get paid for my set?

Accepted Answer

At this time -- no. Deadbeat Poets Society started in July 2021 and we are barely running off the ground in our efforts. This will change with fundraisers, future donations, Patreon memberships, zine sales and so on.  In the future, we will be paying performers $50 for their set which usually is 3-10 minutes.

Question 7

Zero Tolerance Harassment Policy

Accepted Answer

Deadbeat Poets Society reserves the right to ban performers who are made known to be abusers, being rude to staff at venues or not conduct themselves well with others.

Question 8

Is my performance shared on social media?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we default to sharing videos and images on our Instagram of shows we produce. PLEASE let us know if you would NOT like your part showed in us producing a show and we can protect your anonymity. We will do our due diligence to ask this as well, rest assured.

Question 9

Do I have to be an AZ resident (or even live in the US) to submit to your zine?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! We offer our zine to any interested parties.

Question 10

Does your zine have themes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can check it out through this link here: https://www.deadbeatpoets-az.com/zine-submission-schedule

Question 11

Do I get paid for my work?

Accepted Answer

Currently, no. Deadbeat Poets Society has existed since July 2021 and we currently barely break even with our zine.

In the future, we will be offering submitters about $20 for their accepted work to start.

Question 12

Do I have to pay for shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes; We require this for those who live outside the Tempe, Arizona area. If you live within this area, I can hand-deliver this to you upon coordinating a good time to do so.

Question 13

Are your responses to our submissions automated?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Please submit one piece(s) work at a time. You will get an email from me indicating I have received your work and will follow up with you on our proposed deadline.

Question 14

Can I be anonymous when I submit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Not an issue with us but please indicate that when you're submitting.

Question 15

Can I submit work if I am under 18?

Accepted Answer

Some zines we have are open to all ages. However, our adult zines are not open to minors.

Question 16

Copyright and Production

Accepted Answer

DBPS is copyrighted through 2026 and protects its rights as a nonprofit zine. This goes for those who submit to our zine.

Question 17

Refund Requests

Accepted Answer

Refund requests usually are processed within 7 to 14 business days.

Question 18

Are your zines appropriate for children or sensitive adults?

Accepted Answer

Most are not. However, we occasionally have child-friendly issues.

Question 19

Does it cost anything to submit your zine?

Accepted Answer

Nope, and it never will!

Question 20

How do zine submissions work? Can I get my own zine?

Accepted Answer

Our zines are produced bi-monthly with a total of 6 themes. You can submit to all or select themes to be featured in said issue of the publication of The Deadbeat Poets Zine. We do not currently do individual perzines.

Question 21

Do you accept art?

Accepted Answer

Due to some royalty concerns, we do not accept personal art for our zine at this time. Our zine is strictly poetry or prose (stories or essays.) If you are interested in collaborating for cover art, for example, please email us!

Question 22

Donations

Accepted Answer

All zine purchases have a 10% fee that goes toward The Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault foundation in effort to support victims of sexual assault.   Individual donations to our organization go toward:  Zine production (usually $5 per copy from our distributor)  Venue fees (ranging from $50-$400) Performer costs ($50) Promotional material ($100~)  We may also hold individual drives, such as a previous poetry/music event that benefited Banner medical hospitals.  Receipts are usually emailed but contact us if you need more specific invoices.

Question 23

Do I have to wear a mask at your event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are relaxed at certain locations with huge rooms or outdoor areas. However, in events where 10+ people are in attendance - we will ask you to wear a mask. If you refuse to, you are subject to your own risk and to the health of others that will be taken into consideration.

Question 24

Do I have to pay to attend a DBPS event?

Accepted Answer

Meetings and open mics - completely free.   Performances or workshops - usually between $5-$10.   We will never refuse entry to a person who cannot pay for an event. If you are unable to do so, please contact us.

Question 25

Views & Ideology

Accepted Answer

At Deadbeat Poets Society, we are proponents of LGBT+, BLM, and major humanitarian efforts.

In the event any of the following (writers, performers, or organizations we associate with) express prejudice, violence, coercion or acts of deception - we are within our right to ban them from any affiliation with us. It's that simple.

zines, events, financial and COVID related information