What is Good Writing?

When it comes to poetry, in the past few years I have often wondered who deemed certain people the right to say whether or not a poem is good or bad. To somewhat answer this question, in my mind, I imagine a panel of judges. This panel consists of a room lit only by the sort of light you would see in an interagating (msp?) cell. And under this light, there are judges lining one side of a long table. How they got there? I have no idea; nevertheless it has always seemed easier to imagine there are people deemed with the gift to judge rather than take (some of my past educators) "average Joe's" word for it. By believing this, it has always helped me think, "well maybe so and so knows what they're talking about because they have studied this area of work and I haven't." For instance while in high school, I had many English teachers who asked the class what a poem or story meant. However, when a student would respond, many times they (the student) were shot down for their answer. Their interpretation. After giving this "panel of judges" idea a thought here and there, I decided a long time ago it was not fair. Who is to say what an author of a poem, story, etc. really meant when they wrote their piece? WHo is to say one interpretation is right and the other is wrong?
I understand that if an author wrote their thought process out so their readers would understand the "true meaning" of the poem, story, etc. it would be one thing. However, to me (here's my interpretation) when a reader (of either the intended audience or not intended audience) is able to take away something from a work and have it impact their thoughts or senses in some way, that is when a writing should be considered good. I do not think it necessarily matters what the "true" interpretation is, instead I feel the wonderful thing about writing is when each person can feel a connection to it.
Even though I do not like the system and the idea of having to declare something as good or bad, I have come to understand that to a certain degree (sometimes a higher degree than others) we (I) must adhere to the rules. Sometimes, to pass classes, for example, we must stubbornly put down our flags and conform to the guidelines. This being said, I have always tried to leave edge room for my own voice to come through a paper or poem of mine. Whether it's bold, quiet, or opinionated, I have always tried to do assignments well; but inevitably, keep a little flavor or hint of me in them. Unless of course it suppose to be a paper without my thoughts; however, whether the thoughts are mine or not, the way in which I write would still be considered my voice.
Referring back to the original question: What is good writing? It wasn't until my english 210 class that I realized for some time now, there has been that panel of judges I once imagined (in a way). They are called New Critics and they approach each form of text as an artifact. Though I thought and hoped this way of doing things was buried now; I found out today, it is not. And even though I want this way of doing things out the door, I sat there in class and wondered how exactly I would declare grades as good or bad in my own classroom someday without these questions and criticisms. I have my own ideas and thoughts on this subject; however, to respond to them too quickly would not amount to well thought out plans of action and/or methods of teaching in the future. I am trying to learn as much as I can; the tough thing is sometimes it's hard hearing that there is a panel of judges out there! So instead of asking what is good writing; perhaps the real question would be, "how do you declare what is good writing and why do you think that way of doing things is the right (fair) way?" And even then will there ever be an answer?