Okay, I will not be involving myself in off-topic or silly threads. I also think it best that I do not comment on these silly posts as this will merely contribute to them being bumped to the top of the board (and being read by others) which is not what we want on this board.

These boards are for clean, wholesome PhD-based discussion. If there are any other volunteers who want to help clean up these boards, please volunteer here. I shall not be using smileys either, just in case someone thinks I'm trying to be funny.

Enthusiasm is a good thing. From what other people have told me on this board I think we have to pace ourselves for what is a long marathon, so racing out of the blocks too quickly will invite trouble later. That said, I personally can't wait to get started.

So did I, the moderators should delete it.

Does this qualify as a silly thread and require censorship by the Comedy Police?

"Okay then. How about we remove all silly threads, alienate the regular posters (who do give advice as well as comment on the latest trends in mooncups), then just leave a carcass of a forum ?

I'm willing to revolt if anyone else is." DanB

DanB, after the post I read this morning, I'm with you. No more jokes, serious posts only. It would probably do me the world of good anyway as it would remove one of the attractions of this board, allowing me to do more work.

What do you think, try it for one week and reappraise?

.....I do find it a slightly strange position that you automatically assume that the doing a PhD will make you into the type of person you do not like. Surely, as one who is considering a PhD you must appreciate that a PhD is what you make of it, as is life in general. We don't all become clones! Best of luck in whatever you choose.

As the chief culprit for the recent spate of recycling old threads, I haven't actually started my PhD yet so I'm no PhD role model (and to be frank I'd be worried if anybody thought I was). I freely admit I post my fair share of drivel on here. However, I also provide serious answers to serious posters. If this board merely comprised a serious answers to serious questions it would be a very dry, very quiet board. The Mods recognise this which is why they allow us to have our bit of fun as well.

Everybody has a different sense of humour and I'm sure if (or when) you start your PhD you will find likeminded people.

Worrylingly, you make the suggestion that no one on this board is good enough to be a role model for you. Worse still, you imply that we are all the same. If you follow conversations, we have a wide variety of posters on here with differing views on life.....

Sorry folks to repeat this from another thread, it is probably better posted here. Anyway:

I've thought about this (admittedly through an alcoholic haze) but I'd still prefer ALL posts to appear under the Latest Messages page. The reason being that, silly threads aside, any prospective newbies will look at the frequency of postings before deciding whether it is worth their while to post a question. If there's 6 hours between posts on the serious pages people will write this off as a not very lively forum and not come back. Take Wednesday, I think the first serious post that day came in at about 5pm as I commented at the time. Also, it tends to be the off topic threads that get the most responses. So if you want to sell a lively forum, you do need the off topic stuff to be somewhat prominent.

Have an off topic page if you must (I personally don't think it's necessary as I've said on other threads) but keep the posts appearing in the latest messages page.

I also recall reading about a cockerel which used to attack the postman or any other passer by.

Both. Great on mashed potatoes, cheese on toast, even on spag bol.

Of course, behind Jessop's Hospital. So much better than that imposter from some town near Hereford.

It's a matter for individual supervisors and (where applicable) sponsors and their timetables. It is possible, but the only person who can say for sure is your supervisor so start there.

And you are welcome to our once great nation!

No, definitely tomato.

That's right, she disappeared into a large hole in Canary Wharf. I hope she asks for tomato sauce on that sausage sarnie.