What? The bands or the tools ... only joking!!!
Both are available on Linux (up)
Freemind
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download

CMAP
http://cmap.ihmc.us/download/

Do check out the bands as well if you can. Not often ya get an ex-NIN and QoTSA in the same place.

Eternal - Just started a thread on using Freemind ... this is a mind-mapping tool that allows you to plot out your thoughts re projects. The specific reason I referred to this is because it allows you to link to specific files i.e. saved soft copies of paper or URLs. Since you say that you are starting, you might be able to make time to get used to this software (or something like that). Whatever about storing your notes/refs, compiling them into a meaningful organised story that you can then transfer to your supervisor clearly is like gold-dust. Just a thought.

For the record, Forza EndNote!!!

Lads and ladies,
Downloaded CMAP and Freemind mind-mapping tools. Although the latter seems to have a steeper learning curve, it would seem to be a more comprehensive method to get ideas down. Besides the obvious advantages of using this method (albeit a bit late in the day) is there any advantage of using Freemind? Also, is it worth the effort taking time to learn how to use Freemind properly?
Thought, opinions and tips welcome.

Also, if any NIN/QoTSA fans in UK, check out Jubilee touring UK soon - class act with good support band ... sorry if not applicable to forum but might be a good break from the books and lab

8-)

Hey MicroGeek/Newbie,
Make contact with your supervisor first - as suggested send that email requesting a meeting.
Was gonna spew some s*ite about attitude, but as you prob guess from reading the forum, you'll need to build up a good resolve.

One tip - GET THE PC SORTED ASAP! If not you'll be stuck with a slower-than-Tuesday windup machine that Tomy would be proud of. If you know specifically what software you need, get that sorted in the first week. Ask the supervisor who to contact and diplomatically request the machine (ok, you maybe stuck with a bad PC for a few weeks, but at least make sure there is a good one on the way).

It will take time to find your feet but enjoy that time ... remember its a PhD, not a sentence at Oz (the prison series, not the country ... although whats the difference says you :p ... any Aussies, I'm only kidding)

Two years in and didn't keep one but convinced its the only way now ... even if you stop 5-10 minutes earlier and type in main events of the day & what is left to be done. Can always be handy for progress reports.

I have the template open always on the PC and can update on the fly.

Spoke to a few people y'day about it and it would seem that most of what is said here and what my friends said about writing (who have graduated from the same college) can be summed up as follows ...

1. Read your supervisors papers - see his writing style. Make it known to him/her that this step was done (feed the ego).
2. Read papers in your field/methodology - get to know the terminology and what specific journals look for.
3. Go out and get co-authorship if needed - at the end of the day, your supervisor will still get his name on the paper
4. Compare like with like - it is absolutely pointless comparing a first attempt at a paper to a paper written for a top ranked journal by leaders of research.
5. Be selective with the journals - if it is your first attempt, without being defeatist, leave the top ranked journals until you have established a name in that area of research
6. It doesn't hurt to read other tips - Elements of Style and other books are helpful.
7. Write everything down - Getting into habit of writing what is being done and needs to be done. Keep this recorded.
8. Give written reports to your supervisor and hound for feedback. He/she is being paid handsomely for the privillege of your intelligence and would have no guilt about hounding you.
9. A lot of humble pie will have to be digested as regards writing/getting feedback
10. Don't lose the cool - it is hard not to take criticism personally, but we just have to.
11. Most importantly - SMILE!!!

Thanks for the advise. When I get the chance at the weekend, I will compile the advice here and make a small report to be posted (a la Tips idea) as some nuggets here.

Just got a call from home - got the full grant which really eases the money worries so it just proves that it's swings and roundabouts!

"Getting the cards is luck: what you do with them is skill!"

PC_Geek - were we seperated @ birth? That is exactly how things are and as I see them. I don't want to be over-analytical with my writing and being told that my English is sub-standard (which, considering I did Hons. English, still hurts ... not British so different Education system).

Thanks for the tip about the book - will follow it up.

Probably just scared of the whole writing & re-writing process but if it has to be done, it has to be done.

Hope ya doing what ya set out to do at this stage

People,
Thanks - your help and advice is appreciated and will be acted on (SM888 is right ... I am a prat for putting up with it, but if meant in a negative way, I've no bothers taking anyone on in a "you're sooo ugleee" contest - could even incorporate it into the proposed get-together :p)

As for the advice, it isn't a case of turning off but the others would agree, you need a hobby or two and take meaningful breaks away to remind you of other aspects (even a midweek gig can help). I suppose getting the work done is also a means of getting it off your mind, but those moments are rare i.e. when you feel you have something considerable done. Had a problem with that before (still do, but not as bad)

Will be more assertive in the future, without being a pr*ick! Might mean having to keep a record of everything but hey! Just as an example, one of the friends here showed me CMAP - its a tool like Visio, but faster to use. Getting a diagramatical representation of the plan down and will also compile a snag list.

Mood totally changed now - there's work to be done so just have to get it done.

Thanks again,
Bonzo

And you sound a ray of positive sunshine. Have a genuinely good day Sm888.

Don't worry I won't let this descend to a battle of wits as I don't fight the unarmed.

H - are you actually Jerry Springer or ... horror of horrors ... Dick Dietrich of "Nightstand" fame - People, people!
Career in The Sun awaits if PhD goes belly up.

Above tables, below figures

Hey PhDBug,
Quick answers to the questions
1 & 2 - Simple answer - He seems to only read it 5-10 mins beforehand. Was in the habit of writing more, but just got tired of the aforementioned scenario. Gonna get back writing and forcibly get him to respond - he is on huge money and at this point, I don't care if I offend him (kinda like a Viking burnin' the long boats at this stage)
3. I think they are just more forceful and focussed. Yes, they are working in his area directly but you can't just ignore students. I am willing to take on work that I am not 100% confident about, but for f**ks sake, isn't the supervisor meant to help in this process?
4. Absolutely none ... ok, some but mostlyfor his topics.
5. I know its more that 9-5 but what I am saying is that how do you stop wandering all over the shop and actually treat the whole thing as a BIG project
There are other factors but to be honest, calming down and as Public Enemy once said "Bruvva gonna work it out!". I have alternatives but as the PhD is only a means to an end (teaching!) I really just want to get it done. Any advice/references re writing or time management would be appreciated.

PhD bug - thanks for the advice/encouragement. I hope things are going well for yourself (who knows - I might have a lot of spare time soon to help compiling that Tips list ;-)
Not getting down about it - just frustrated to be honest. Reading a lot about Taoism at the mo and one phrase comes to mind ... "Who knows what is really good and who knows what is really bad".

Forum admin team - don't worry about the server probs ... sure the boys @ CERN couldn't even get it right and look at the stipends they are on :p
Jokes aside Keep up the good work

Lads and ladies,
Add one more to the list of disgruntled soldiers ... after a meeting with the supervisor where he as good as ripped me a new one and as good as tried to force me out (right on the two year mark). I won't go into details but I will not be forced out by someone who is not paying attention to my work (he can meet with other PhDers at least once a week but has only met with me three times over the last 7 months!). One of the outcomes of the meeting was that I was not treating the Phd professionally enough, which I do concede.
Can anyone please advise me from your own experiences as to how to stop viewing the PhD as a personal quest and to treat it as a 9-5 job? I am artrocious at it! I know I should be writing more but
a. Find it difficult
b. The supervisor doesn't even read it - I mean there was times y'day I physically wanted to punch him and say "did you not read the document or even the accompanying email?"
Don't get me wrong - there are positives. While it is late in the day, I have a solid idea (but not down on paper) and there is plenty of help from other people (but none from Capt. Happy). I guess I am asking two questions:
1. How the fudge can you get into the habit of report writing in an academic manner?
2. Is it just the aggressive focussed students who get ahead? I would like to think I am considerate but lack that streak of meanness - how do you get it?
I was expecting a disturbed night of sleep but thanks to Tai Chi was ok. I have been thro' the thresher once before (as some of ye know) so not taking it too personally. I am prepared to put the work in but am also thinking of getting a contingency plan together as I have an inkling that things might get worse before they get better.

Was considering blocking a few sites to start the draconian measures (including this one - FOR SHAME !!!:$ ), but on second thoughts, realised the value of this site. I am sorry for being a smartar*e at times in my postings, but will have to say that this site has helped in the past and is a valuable asset so kudos to the admin and contributors - keep up the good work.

I do apologise for this rant, but need to get this sorted. I would like to remain a contributing part to this Band of Brothers & Sisters, but don't want to become a soul-less person in the process.

Keep the boats afloat,
Bonzo

You need a minimum of two weeks. One week to allow the stupid PhD thoughts calm down and another to actually enjoy. But ultimately, you (and I mean that in a general sense) won't ever allow the brain to relax until the damn thing is wrapped in chains and thrown off a short pier!!!
I suppose the best thing to do is just accept that you lack motivation at the mo, do some tasks that don't involve too much effort (filing) and as you get into reading again, it will return as you find interesting stuff again.
Just to put it into perspective - if anyone on the forum can say that their supervisor took less holidays than them, I will buy them a baker's dozen of Innis & Gunn! :p

Dude,
It honestly sounds like you need to take a break and some time to think. Your last few sentences said quite a lot and I would think that you really need to take a few months to maybe a year off if you really want to ask yourself if this is for you. You want to get back the old you, which is more important. If not worried about deadlines, I would consider looking into the notion of taking 6-12 months away and coming back. Take this time to get things the way you want them, then consider returning.
Sorry for brevity of response but knackered after 4 hours teaching on the trot.
Good luck with your decision and keep us updated,
Bonzo

Bonzo is contemplating life as the Littlest Hobo as he keeps on hearing a voice that keeps on calling him, down that road thats where he wants to be!