I would say you can do whatever the hell you want as long as it's good.
I think what may be going on with the one you have put up in critique is that if you are just concentrating on character for the first bit, that's all people get to read since it's only a 10 page extract. If you're going for a similar style to the office I don't think people will 'get it' until they read the whole thing.
Hi Random,
I'd say go with what you feel comfortable with. I'm sure there is no set formula and if you ask five different people you will get a range of answers. I think that you feel strongly about getting lots of character stuff in - so I say go with that.
Also I think something that I don't think has been mentioned here. I'm assuming that the Posties is a "first episode", which I think is slightly different to every other episode because you are introducing characters.
I've read books and advice where people say send off a pilot or send off a mid series episode or send off both. I'd say send it out to a load of production companies and see what feedback you get.
Cheers for your thoughts chaps 
Chris, 'tis not intended as The Office style, just that I've used The Office as an example of a first episode from a sitcom that didn't ram a storyline down your throat and allowed the characters to breathe.
Yeah, first episode bigfella, understand where you're coming from but what I want is the first send out to be the best I can possible get it.
Quote: random @ March 31 2009, 6:44 PM BSTYeah, first episode bigfella, understand where you're coming from but what I want is the first send out to be the best I can possible get it.
Yeap, I don't disagree with that.
What I would say is that you were happy enough to post it on the site, which I know people don't do lightly. I would decide which comments you want to take on board, do a re-write and then send it off.
Yeah, maybe you're right but if the average person on here thinks like that, does the average production company?
I know I could send out in hope but I'd like to think that maybe I'm not barking up the wrong tree on this but at the moment it feels as tho most think I am... so maybe I am.
Quote: random @ March 31 2009, 7:08 PM BSTYeah, maybe you're right but if the average person on here thinks like that, does the average production company?
I know I could send out in hope but I'd like to think that maybe I'm not barking up the wrong tree on this but at the moment it feels as tho most think I am... so maybe I am.
That's why I'm saying do one re-write taking on board some of the comments.
Remember you will never please everyone!!!
Yeah, you're right.
Thanks
Quote: random @ March 31 2009, 6:31 PM BSTThe Office, episode 1.
Introduction of characters and seeing how they get on (or how they don't) with each other dominates until about 7 minutes in. It's at this point we then find out about one of the branches will have to incorporate the other.
This is then not mentioned again until about the 20 minute mark when DB calls a meeting.
My point being so much of this episode is character only and not directly plot driven.
Or you have missed the plot.
Or this is a mock documentary, like the office, which unless I have missed the plot yours isn't.
Not being mean, but take on board what some reviewers say and if you think they know what they are talking about, which admittedly is a tough call, either agree with them or not, and I sympathise with the not, but there is little point debating or arguing your style of comedy. Sometimes you have to just put it out there. On a personal note, if it isn't story driven just observation based comedy - it's got to me more closely observed than most. That's a tough one to set yourself up against. Extremely tough. A knob gag is easy, a line that really delineates the human condition - not so.
And the format - 30 mins is sitcom. Three BIG laughs per minute and chuckles in between.
Quote: Marc P @ March 31 2009, 8:53 PM BSTThree BIG laughs per minute and chuckles in between.
Will these ones do?
Yes!
I'm going to echo MarcP. Listen to the consensus. If it's saying something you agree with, great. If it isn't, then something in your piece is failing to convey your intention to the majority.
This is not a comment on "Is it funny or not?" As only YOU can decide if it is funny. But if you believe a plot is there and people are questioning that (or any other necessary major component of your writing), then you need to address that and clarify it in a rewrite.
Your script has to 'do the talking' and answer every possible question. You won't get a similar chance to provide explanation to script readers or viewers.
Quote: SlagA @ March 31 2009, 9:56 PM BSTThis is not a comment on "Is it funny or not?" As only YOU can decide if it is funny.
I always thought that its we as the reader or viewer who decides if it's funny or not, because we can all amuse ourselves with our writing, it's amusing other's that's the challenge, surely?
Quote: Eden Carter @ March 31 2009, 10:03 PM BSTI always thought that its we as the reader or viewer who decides if it's funny or not, because we can all amuse ourselves with our writing, it's amusing other's that's the challenge, surely?
I'd disagree with you there Eden. The only thing that you can write is what you find funny. Whatever you write, someone isn't going to like it. So if you try to second guess what other people find funny, you're in trouble to start with - if you don't find it funny......oh Christ I'm confused now, I wish I had never started this. 
Well yes I agree that if you yourself don't find what you're writing funny then its not going to be great and an apparent lack of comedic soul would probably be very evident within the writing. But to sell something, you have to aim it at and for others, which I've always thought means you should make it as accessible as possible i.e. as universally funny as possible.....ahhh now I don't know what I'm trying to say lol.
I think you should read other peoples stuff first. If you find things they write funny then perhaps their opinion may be more valid.
There are some people on here who always write good stuff and I often listen to their feedback but there are others who have never written anything I find funny.
A matter of taste, you should try to appeal to those with similar tastes.
A mighty boosh fan won't be the same as an Only fools and horses fan.