Well, I wouldn't mind some free PGF branded stuff, actually: pens, rubbers, pencils, crayons, felt tips - or stencils. I'd really like one of those chubby 80s pens that can write in different colours, like green, black, red and blue. All I have at the moment, that I've managed to get for free, is Mediplacements branded stuff. I'd even work for stars - though I only have one more of those to get now.
I think a competition would be a really good idea and actually have some fun ideas. Hmm, maybe like a song or a rap about what it is like to do a PhD. Even a short animation of the PhD journey. Or, maybe even a a short section giving practical tips to time and cash-strapped PhD students on thing like what to cook, wear to buy cheap and stylish clothes. (up)

Eska - We won't be asking you to publish your newly discovered cure for the common cold, just your thoughts and experiences of getting a PhD or Masters degree to help those budding geniuses that come after you.

I can't think for the life of me why we sent DanB our treasured Post-its, but as he's now been successfully reintegrated back into society I have no regrets.  If anyone fancies a FindAPhD Mug, Mouse Mat, Coaster or Pen (or even the whole set) then send us your musings.  If we put them on one of the sites we'll shower you with promotional gifts.  Have a look at the FindAPhD Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FindAPhD) over the next few days to see some picks of the high quality merchandise that could soon be yours!!

Errmmm, we post our musings on getting a phD and Master for the purposes of advising others quite a lot already. Sounds like an excuse to not pay someone as a professional to me, and I get quite enough of that already thank you, without PGF doing it too.

Hi Forumites,

Further to Andy's post, thought I'd sort out a few more details about this impromptu merch-fest! Your musings can be on anything relating to postgrad study/life - it can be an overview of the whole experience, or pick out specific bits of interest. We thought a minimum of 500 words would be good. Here's a few ideas for possible titles if you need some inspiration:

- Writing a thesis
- Perks of a PhD
- How to survive a PhD
- Getting on with your supervisor
- 10 things you should know about...
- Budgeting/money tips for postgrads

Send anything you write to info@findaphd.com (put "Postgrad Forum article" or something useful in the subject line!), and also include your name and address if you'd like to be considered for some free stuff. We will need your real name, but if we put your article up on the site, we can use your forum username on it if you'd prefer. You're welcome to send us more than one article if you're very enthusiastic!

I'll be putting pics of our fabulous merch up on the FindAPhD Twitter account every day this week. I reckon we'll set a closing date of 30th June, but I'll let you know if that changes. There's no pressure at all to enter, but if you fancy a bit of procrastination with the possibility of getting some free FindAPhD stuff, then feel free!

Caz :-)

I'm sure the Guardian would pay better, I may try them instead. Just saying!

Eska - :-) It doesn't hurt

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what doesn't hurt? And hurt who? Am confused...

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Edit: ooops! double posting appeared

post-it notes; they don't hurt :p

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No, I've never been hurt by a post it note, although Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City once was... and she was a journalist, spooky!

I doubt La Bradshaw would accept a mouse mat for her hard earned skills.

lol i think it was the smile that didn't hurt! :D regardless of the competition we have now etc, how did DanB and all the rest get free stuff initially?! Altho I'd not say no to a mug I don't have much desire to start writing out new stuff for the forum, mayhaps I can copy paste/edit a reply I gave before???! Or is that cheating? ;-)

I remember this, I think PGFT must have had excessive amounts of marketing material as they said "email us your address and we will post you a mouse mat". I never did, I think I found the whole thing sinister.

lol DanB. aww H, I can share my post-its with you. And, that was not how we got the post-its ;-)