I think the glutton for punishment thing is true for all of us even if how we go about sharing our writing isn't true for everyone. I have been solitary more often than not in my life but I also love sharing with people when I'm not to lazy to post it.

Honestly, though, I think the idea of the solitary writer comes from the same tinge of the American spirit that has business owners screaming, "I built this without the government!" Sure you did. You built the town that gives you a place to put your business. You built the roads leading to your business. You designed the laws that govern your business. Sure, you did it all by yourself. Just keep telling yourself that if that's what you need to do to make yourself feel better. Not even Simon and Garfunkel can be an Island unto themselves anymore.