I prefer publishing, as I'm not much for crowds or forced conversations. Guess I'm kinda reclusive. I set-up and hosted 4 series and did my own readings quite extensively. There are not too many venues that sell poetry. It's not top on too many want lists.
Distribution is, at best, minimal.
I don't think the general public is as ignorant as uninterested. Everything needs rejuvenated. There is always a need for birth. We do need new ones to keep that voice going. One that writes something you wish the Hell you wrote first.