Why do people snap during poetry readings?

Question:

Why do people snap during poetry readings?

I have always wondered why people snap after poetry is read at poetry readings

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Hmm...thats a good question...in the era of the Beats, snapping became a form of applauase, common usually to the coffee house readings...in other words, Beat poetry. I am guessing that it has become a custom at poetry readings.
Historically, the Romans snapped the thumb and forefinger as applause....I am sure there must be other cultures who snap rather than clap.