Why is Harold Bloom's Canon so important?

I understand that the canon is like the best of "literature," but I just do not see why this is important? Shakespeare is certianly at the front/top of the canon, but why, why is shakespeare considered to be so great? Are authors of today able to get into this canon? I feel this is all a hype...If I could write a story on par with Shakespeare, I do not think it would even be considered for the canon because like comic books everybody likes the original superheros and they are regarded as being the best. Also does the canon have any relation to me at all?(This is a question in the essay I must write). I do not understand this question at all...unless what I previously said is correct? My relationship to Shakespeare in the canon....?