Poor you - it's such a pain to have to cut down. Maybe sit there with your research questions and ensure that everything that you are saying relates directly back to them and the key themes you want to discuss? It may be that there are some tangents in the thesis that are interesting but only indirectly relate back to your research questions? I'm not saying that there are - just that this may be a good place to start thinking about chopping words out. With every paragraph, think 'what is this adding to the overall story?'. Afterall, that's probably what busy examiners are going to be thinking. Good luck!

I was told that this was a big no no and that it was best to keep a polite and friendly but professional distance from examiners.

I agree - papers will come later. Just focus on finishing. How long is each chapter? Break each chapter down so that you're writing regularly and have short-term, e.g. weekly, goals as to how much you want to get completed

There are so many peaks and troughs in a PhD and I definitely recognise these emotions during my troughs. I generally feel like that when I am completely and utterly emotionally exhausted. You are nearly there - as Piglet says just go for it withshort-term goals. Also think about how wonderful life after the PhD will be and post on here when you our support.

Congratulations BB! I'm just about to start writing my 3rd PhD chapter (out of 6 main chapters + 7th conclusions chapter). Each chapter is such a long and painful process to write. I can't wait to be in your position! You're nearly there - make sure you treat yourself to something nice.

I am really sorry to hear this CC. I can't offer much advice except to say I completely understand you saying you hate your work now and just want it over! I have to keep going until early next year - you only have to cope for another couple of months. I know it's not much fun but try and see the bright side - that it really will all be over soon. Inspite of all the bad things, it's good that your supervisor is being thorough - can you try and do as much as possible on your own before your sup gets back? THen you can make a list together of the last things to do before submitting. Some of the changes maybe more minor than you think - try and take a short break from it. You may then realise it's not so bad and you can make the changes more quickly than you think now. ALl the best cc. Do keep us posted!

How many times have you been asked how many languages you speak??

Use the official journal reference - I think this is fine. If you want to refer explicitly to ideas or quotes from the text, check with the author that they remained in the final version - he should remember. I presume the general thrust of what he's said remained the same. I really don't think it's problematic. It's not personal communication because that's e-mails and conversations. The footnote that Corinne suggests as an acknowledgement is a good idea.

Corinne - you can also reference speeches - I do this quite a bit from conferences. As long as in the reference you distinguish it as a speech rather than as a 'published' work, that's fine. You can reference pretty much anything these days. It' just up to you to determine the validity of the source and to reference it properly.

Good for you! Hope you have a fantastic day. Great that you can share it with some friends. Hope you have a silly grin on your face all day and feeel really proud of your achievement.

I'm in linguistics too - doesn't really provide the best social chit chat lines does it!

Good luck this afternoon with your supervisor. We all make mistakes. Coming clean takes courage. Don't feel silly - I am sure others will respect you more for this in the long run. Best wishes!

Piglet, that sounds exactly like me. I'm trying to find the answer to my 'motivation problem' but like a true academic I'm analysing it and wanting tips but as my supervisor says I should just sit down and write it! I wish it was that easy or maybe it is??

I use (Sainsbury, 2006, p 19) but you can edit EndNote to present the references however you like - with or without the 'p', with commas or whatever you like. It's pretty simple - just follow the instructions in the manual. I guess the help index on EndNote must have the details as wel if you don't have the manual.

Just a difference of perspective. Maybe I'm getting old (or reverting to hippy status) but I feel that love, support and kindness without the analysis have their place (e.g. in the current situation) but I'm sure others would disagree and appreciate the analysis! Maybe I'm just thinking about my own personal life where I would detest any kind of post-mortem or analysis (mostly because it proabbly wouldn't highlight me in a positive light)!
PS: yes Rogue Academic by saying I was wrong you were saying you are doing humanities/social sciences.

Cryogenics, Rogue Academic: are you
1) blokes
2) studying something other than the humanities/social sciences??

Apologies in advance for any offence (really I don't mean to cause any) and if I've got the stereotypying completely wrong! I understand that your words are meant in the kindest possible way but do you think that AnnieG might be better served by our support, understanding and sympathy rather than by advice and analysis?

Sending you cyber hugs AnnieG!