DU Journalists/writers - what are your strengths/weaknesses

[HEyHEY]

For me, I think I'm good at putting in a certain amount of zip/humour in my writing. As well, as a cynic, I can find what is really silly in stories and get it across in a subtle way.
Weakness... Sometimes I take a persons word for more than it is.

[eyesroll]

1. Strengths -- research

I thoroughly know the topic at hand. (I write for a monthly, so I have the luxury of time). I'm a good interviewer.

I'm also a strong article doctor -- some of the things submitted to me are absolutely dreadful. Ususally they answer the questions I want them to answer (I outline that in the freelance assignment sheet), but too many of my good researchers are word barfers -- they just vomit whatever they want in whatever order on the paper. I'm pretty good at fixing that and ensuring the article has a good flow.

Weaknesses -- I have a hard time with "packaging" -- headlines, decks, subheads. I'm pretty immune to marketing BS and have a hard time separating journalistic packaging from marketing BS.

Also, after 5 1/2 years writing for one industry, I'm running out of ideas. I need to broaden my source list and stop relying on the 20 people who I know will call me back with something good to say. (But, you know -- if you can make one phone call and be guaranteed an interview from it, vs. making 15 phone calls to an indeterminite end, would you really do the extra work for the sake of diversity?)

[WilliamPitt]

2. Strength: DU. Weakness: DU

She gives. She takes.

[Robb]

3. Strengths: research, tenacity, wit

Weaknesses: research, tenacity, wit. :)

[HEyHEY]

4. kcik for the writing crew

[SOteric]

5. Strengths:

• A clean, readable prose style
  
• An exceptional vocabulary
  
• Keen grasp of the dynamics of the written word
  
• A lyrical, poetic quality

Weaknesses:

• Verbosity
  
• I've worked it out in my head, I've forgotten to work it out for the reader
  
• Allowing too much of my emotional state to influence my writing

[rucky]

6. Slow & sloppy longhand

and no knowledge of shorthand.

i've gotta be careful with quotes.