It can be expensive and partly depends on whether they charge by the hour or word count. Could a friend or relative not do it? If you have the time to step back from your research and then come back to it you should be able to read it with fresh eyes and be able to spot typos etc you may have missed. Depends how much it means to you but personally I wouldn't pay to have it proofread.

I wouldn't dispute that Sneaks mum is right but a quote is a quote and should be quoted as a quote! It's wrong to do anything else, even if aspects of the quote are 'wrong'. Really this is cut and dried and there should be no debate about the right or wrong way to quote this quote. Phew......................................:p

======= Date Modified 18 Aug 2011 23:44:09 =======
This is completely unacceptable I've moved from number 35 to 36. I was starry eyed but now I've tears in my eyes:-(
;-)

Definitely keep it as it is - it's a quote.

HazyJane, Actually I think you are giving excellent advice and providing a sound assessment of the current situation.

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I haven't had my viva but I can tell you I will not be having a mock viva, even if offered one as I think it would do me more harm than good. I will take other guidance from my supervisors about questions etc. I will try to know my thesis inside out but believe this much of this is being done now with the write up and I will be guided by the five main examination areas when planning.

Hi Runner,

First of all you've come to the right place. Many on here have felt or feel as you do now. There are a number of threads running to do with accountability and thesis completion and so you might like to contribute to those, some people find these very helpful. This is a very, very difficult time for most writing up but remember the more you chip away at it the closer you get to the finish line and then you can do a runner...after you've passed the finish line. It is hard but look beyond it, realise you have the ability to get through it and keep plodding on (up)

Thanks Mac and Bewildered. I just couldn't figure it out but you've both raised good points I think.

Oops, I posted in the wrong section by mistake!

======= Date Modified 14 Aug 2011 12:25:54 =======
Hi all,

I keep reading that the number of PhD's is on the rise (I get that) but that academic posts are on the decrease. I'm not so sure I understand why. I get the cuts in funding would explain many, but if many more people are going to university now and paying to do so, which seems to be the case, surely there is a greater need for academics than ever before?

It does KB and I'm delighted for you. You've worked really hard and especially of late and it's paid off with a few minor corrections and a new job in a new department. Great to see and I wish you all the very best!

Just to add, although I had no intention of self-funding, a very well meaning lecturer took the time to talk me through funding and self-funding and strongly encouraged me not to self-fund for many of the reasons given by bewildered.

Good advice and good article bewildered. Food for thought...

Hi Cindrella,

Your supervisors sound great. I'm making it my business to finish mine this year and am hoping maybe to have the viva this year. I'm like you, I don't want this going into 2012.

Best of luck!