Every writer should know his own limitations, so is there anything you can't write or feel is one of your weaknesses? For me, it's topical stuff. I've tried but I always think of funny things to write about ten years after they happened.
What can't you write?
I used to think that but brainstorming one-liners for Parsons & Naylor helped a lot. I could have potentially carried on doing it but wouldn't have anywhere to send it.
Could be a good exercise: 10 one-liners a day to get your comedy mind thinking and get you in the zone.
Obvious problem is lack of opportunities (TV/Radio) though NewsRevue and The Treason Show will certainly read your stuff (the latter will even pay if it's used, I assume the first will but can't say for sure)
Actually, that's not the obvious problem: the obvious problem is that topical stuff is funny for about a week/month afterwards and then dates really quickly, making it all seem a bit pointless. Maybe, we should all be realistic and figure out we're never going to write the 'Perfect' sketch... 
Dan
Writing the character of an escapologist is a always a struggle.
And always need help when writing stuff about counsellers.
Sketches about S & M can be a REAL pain.
Nothing I'm a hyper talented Mofo!!
I can't do surreal stuff either. I just think it's stupid. It's a good point about setting yourself tasks outside your comfort zone to tone your writing muscles, though.
Novels / Short Stories. I have worked as a buyer for 12 years. I hate sales people and am very direct to them. Most of my reports are short and sharp. I have a great idea for a novel, but have no confidence in my writing, especially for flowing description.
I think that's why I like sit-coms and film scripts. It's getting things said with the minimum amount of words.
I can't seem to write a commissionable sitcom. But that might be because I'm still working on it.
When I find a weakness I usually work on it so hard it becomes a strength. I think dialogue was a weakness so I started writing just dialogue for a few months and it started to flow nicely. To be honest I'm probably too new to find or realise my weaknesses.
Quote: ContainsNuts @ October 10, 2007, 10:40 AMTo be honest I'm probably too new to find or realise my weaknesses.
As a fellow new writer I've gotta agree.
I'm only learning about what my weaknesses as I come across them and scarily there is probably a shed load I still don't know about. I did attempt an entry to Red Planet, but decided drama's not my thing as every idea I had,I realised was actually The Equaliser.
Quote: dannyjb1 @ October 10, 2007, 10:16 AMWriting the character of an escapologist is a always a struggle.
I wrote a character like that, but his name escapes me?
Quote: Dave M @ October 10, 2007, 11:00 AMas every idea I had,I realised was actually The Equaliser.
Quote: Dave M @ October 10, 2007, 11:00 AMbut decided drama's not my thing as every idea I had,I realised was actually The Equaliser.
You say that likes it's a bad thing, commission this guy already.
I have difficulty with drama. The main crit I got for a two hour script I once did was 'nothing ever goes wrong for the characters'. Maybe I drop too easily into 'confrontation-avoidance' mode. Comedy is different and I feel far more comfortable with that ... which doesn't mean I'm good at it though!
Quote: Rosco @ October 10, 2007, 10:32 AMI have a great idea for a novel, but no confidence in my writing flowing description. I think that's why I like sit-coms and film. It's getting things said with the minimum amount of words.
Rosco, can I suggest that "getting things said with the minimum amount of words" is admirable and should be your approach with your novel. Everyone thinks that the bigger the project, the more chance to waffle and fill but it's not true. Every word you write in whatever form should be justified. In a novel it's crucial, in a sketch / one-liner it's even more so.
I can't write physical comedy. I love Laurel and Hardy but I can't sit down and write it.
I can't write topical.
I can't write surreal that well, although I have a strength in placing characters or objects outside their normal experience.
I can't write 30 minuters that comedy commissioners like enough to buy. Although I seem to have more tangible success in longform drama / screenplays.
Dialogue, plots, characters, and 'dark cerebral' are my strengths. imo. 
Chinese - and Japanese!
Actually I do find dialogue quite easy but making up a story - well - and then a funny story? No chance.