A MA thesis can include argument and/or analysis, and so can a PhD, but the latter must form a new contribution to the knowledge of the subject i.e orginality. Thus, by default just an analysis/descriptive work would not be sufficient.

======= Date Modified 03 Sep 2008 16:47:52 =======
So I have this up and running now - and it does work!!! There is an easy way to override it though - just change the time on your computer (but then if you're tempted to do this click 'Lockdown').

Few problems:
I can't find where the countdown clock is when I have it on 'Lockdown' - do you know where this is??? I have a countdown clock showing how much time I have left on this site before I'm locked out again...but when lockdown is on does it show how long before the lockdown finishes?

Also, what do the LeechBlock Statistics measure? I think it's measuring my 'leech time' i.e., how long I'm on the sites I shouldn't be using. This will shame me into working!

Also I changed the Leech Block site page to this: http://www.qualitynonsense.com/downloads/gtd-wallpaper.jpg
I think it gets the message across :-)

======= Date Modified 02 Sep 2008 23:52:42 =======
Hi Minimina and welcome!

This issue has been discussed a few times on this forum, and basically whether you can reproduce published work in your thesis depends on your university rules. Some universities have very strict rules on this and consider it self-plagarism (with the same consequences as standard plagarism), and others will have no rules concerning the practice.

In the sciences, it does seem more common to reproduce articles in a thesis.

It's best to check with your department and supervisor.

At worst, you just re-write it again/or tweek it and clearly reference it to your publication.

Ha Rosy, I forgot about just clicking on IE. I'll have to uninstall it. Firefox is quicker anyway (so they say) and imports all of IE favourites. Just don't tell me about more gossip sites. ;-) I must also add amazon and this forum to the leech list !

Sylvester, the lockdown feature sounds excellent too. My work hours are very variable.

I was thinking about this too, and basically no I don't think it will adversely affect academia to any great extent.

There are two exceptions though:
1. The MBA market may take a downturn (this has been reported). One of the first cut backs companies are making is funding MBAs for employees. This could have a big impact on management schools and their swish facilities.
2. International students may go elsewhere. This is a lucrative market for many universities (especially in London), but students are now realising the 'rip-off' element and going to Australia, the US or Canada instead. Although, this problem may be offset to some extent if domestic workers return to HE like Sylvester says.

I am planning to look for a commercial job, but this economic downturn I may end up taking a lecture/research jobs for the next few years. Yahoo News listed 10 jobs today that are insulated from the US economic downturn - teachers and nurses were listed - so I guess that can equally apply to HE educators.

It's a good time to have/ be studying for a PhD!

Well I haven't tried this BUT I've been looking for something like this for ages!!! I'm a bit concerned about downloading it though...but it is listed on the FireFox add-ons page and it has lots of good reviews. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4476

As long as it's not some shady adware programme I think I'll go for it!

Okay ...so everyone should admit which sites will be on their leech list:
yahoo mail
yahoo news videos
flickr
youtube
BBC iplayer
The Guardian
The Times
My gossip hits: Daily Mail & perezhilton :$ (I know, I know).

======= Date Modified 02 33 2008 15:33:10 =======

Has anyone published their PhD? or planning to publish?

Are you having success with publishers?

I was told to contact publishers a good year before finishing my PhD if I wanted to get it published. However, I'm planning to re-write it once I submit it so it's more user-friendly as reference material.

What type of deals have you been offered in terms of royalties/ free copies? Obviously I'm aware an academic makes peanuts off their publication.

I agree with H. Since this is your prospective PhD supervisor you should find someone else. It's only going to get harder.

However, a PhD supervisor cannot fail you, as he/she does not examine your work. They do pick your examiners though!

Well...I've never known 'peevish' to be an academic word. It's a word my parents use.

Though coincidently, I do have a Melissa Etheridge album playing on my computer right now! This would do nothing for my street-cred (if I had any!), but nuffin wrong some good old American rock music.

A level results aren't really important at all...most universities see them as a poor indicator of ability.

Your first and second year results at university will be more important, and possibly work experience. Since so many job applications still ask for A level results, it would be a good idea to achieve a higher grade for your IB.

I don't know about the entry requirements concerning engineering, but you shouldn't be too hopeful about gaining a place at Oxbridge or Imperial with a degree from South Bank. Not that I believe in rankings, but South Bank is ranked the worst in the country according to The Times.

I usually have the tv on in the background with something on that doesn't distract me - usually a music channel or rolling news.

Instrumental music is excellent for study. The Orb, Brian Eno...basically elevator music.

But to add, I would also suggest you submit some sort of complaint to higher powers.

While the OP has had a negative experience, it doesn't warrant suing anyone.

======= Date Modified 01 Sep 2008 18:44:49 =======
Where are you based? In all honesty, I have never come across racism towards Chinese students (not within the university scene anyway). However, I'm sure it happens.

Just because you can't get a good job after graduation in the UK is nothing to do with racism - it's just economics.