What makes a poem good?

I think what you are referring to at other poetry sites might be part popularity and part a following.  You know, if you comment and say how great my poem is I'll do the same for you, even if it sucks.  I think of sites like that as a way to see if my stuff appeals to the public while a site like this makes me a better writer.

Having a rough life is rough.  I think people find a way to vent through poetry and misery loves company. That doesn't make you a better writer.  I think it's about compassion, insight and having an unbreakable will to learn and make your poems the best they can be.