I am sorry Driven, that is a major pain. Do you have more than one supervisor? I am just wondering if you can meet with someone else to discuss the viva before the actual thing? It does not seem fair to me in all honesty.

Woo hoo, it will happen in no time.

Hi Jojo

I think opinions on this might be polarised. If I had submitted without my supervisor's approval there would have been fireworks! Saying that though, my situation was very different in that I also worked for him and he was an author (so would never happen!) Even in your position I would not submit something that so closely resembles a PhD chapter without first showing your supervisor.

Sorry, I know that is not what you wanted to hear! I do understand and empathise about the many comments issue, I have found that difficult to deal with in the past also. It seems that you will never have a 'final' version, and even then, you know it will be amended due to reviewers' comments anyway. I would suggest running it past your supervisor and then no one else before submitting.

Good luck. Maybe others will disagree though.

Good luck driven .

By the way, good luck for the comp 404.

Yep, cross it out in my opinion also.

Hi

I had a very prominent person in my field and I don't think it wasany harder than a possibly less experienced person. Actually, they were lovely and really tried to put me at my ease, I am not sure that would have happened if they had not conducted so many vivas. I truly don't think it will matter at all. In fact, at the viva preparation workshop I went to, we were told it is better to go for more estabished people rather than newer researchers, as they don't have things to prove. I am not saying that all newer researchers are like that though, we all have to start somewhere!

Good luck. The mock viva will really help.

cc, I think you are fine. Perhaps have a paper writing session once you have submitted.

Sorry, I took the last slice.

Just in!

Sorry to post again but I was thinking about this and I am not sure that I answered your question at all.

Anger is a natural part of grief and it is completely understandable that you are angry about losing your Nan. Life is unfair. Bad things happen to good people and sometimes we can't do anything about it. It sucks. I don't mean that to sound flippant at all.

With regard to feeling angry, have you perhaps thought about calling Cruse (bereavement people) or doing some sport. I think you need some sort of outlet and only you would know the best thing for you.

Sorry if this seems a little flimsy but I do think you will get through it.

Good luck Piglet, it sounds as if you are on the final stretch.

This must be really tough for you Driven. I sadly lost some family members and a friend last year and it does make things much harder (my Nan also). I am trying to think what made me continue. My Nan, particularly, was so proud that I was doing a PhD and even though she was a bit ditsy about some things, was always on the ball with this. I tried to remind myself how much she wanted me to finish (was always asking me when that would be!) I know this is not easy. I do think you have to give yourself a bit of a break and just set small tasks. You are dealing with a lot at the moment.

The other thing I did was to dedicate my thesis to these people. This may not be for you and I was not whether it was a bit cheesy but I know they would have been proud and I wanted to acknowledge them.

I am glad you have told your supervisors. I hope that they are understanding. Is there any chance you could extend your deadline but keep working on the mini thesis?

Take care.

Another one saying go for it. Good luck!

Well I am honoured that you would accept advice from me Otto (panic, responsibility now!), but I have learnt so much from all of you guys and will continue to do so. I hope to hang around and learn some more too.

I do think it is difficult for anyone not doing a PhD to truly understand how much it involves etc so it is difficult to get good advice from non-PhDers (ie they have never done one and don't intend to). If they give it, smile sweetly and simply ignore it if it is not much help or missing the point somewhat. I guess it depends what you are asking though.