Lol! Well, I disagree (as you can probably already tell)! Some of it probably depends on the area as well. Just to clarify - I don't think a person's appearance has a bearing on reputation as a scholar. But appearances can count, especially for first impressions. Crikey, is that such an extreme idea?

I don't know, but there is a difference between dressing nicely in general (what I said) and turning up somewhere dressed smartly when everyone else is casual (what you said). The latter is probably going to be painful, whereas the former is common sense when one wants to make a good impression. My point is: putting an effort in can go a long way. For instance, when a presenter at a conference is well dressed (smartly or nicely or whatever you want to call it), in my view, it forms part of their overall presentation. And, in my own subjective view, a business card is along similar lines - can be quite impressive.

Hey, I think it is fine to apply at multiple DTCs, as long as it is your idea and your proposal. You can't take an idea you've developed with a potential supervisor elsewhere.

I applied at two DTCs at the same time with slightly different proposals. I told my potential supervisors what I was doing and why I was doing it (to increase my chances of getting funding first time round) - and they were OK with it. Best to be open about things I think, as academia is a small world. So yeh, it is fine. If I had not got funding, I was planning to apply at even more the following year. Hard work though and stressful.

Re chances of success. I don't think there is an actual figure. You can ask how many usually apply and how many awards are available on your pathway (e.g., Psychology). This might give you a rough idea of your chances / what you are up against.

Well... I don't think I said anything about turning up smart when everyone else is dressed casual... that would just be awkward. I just said about dressing really nicely. And yep, I do think it can be good thing. In fact - I know it can! Impressions and appearances count at times.

This is quite a subjective topic. You think that dressing nicely at a conference reeks of desperation, others do not (myself included - and I am also older and have good bit of experience). For some, dressing up may be part of their "presence" and work very well for them. At the same time, I agree that following the lead of others is a good way to go. It sounds as though having a card may be the done thing in LeslieM's circles, and so perhaps she is seeking to do what is the norm / has paid off / worked well for others in her field.

There is such a thing as a supervisor who treats you with respect. Don't accept bullying, no matter what. But what I was trying to get at in my original reply was the need to distinguish between criticism and bullying. They are two different things. But if the criticism has got bullying in it, then I agree with pm133, move on - there are better supervisors out there.

There is a need for reform in academia (I have a really interesting book on the topic actually). But I figure I can't hang around and wait for it to reform itself, but I can make sure that those I interact with treat me with a degree of respect. I changed supervisors and it was the best thing I did! Sometimes it might not be possible. Someone at a recent talk I attended about fellowships said that once we've finished out PhD, we have more choice about who were work with/interact with. So it should get better!

I haven't done mine yet, so others will probably offer better advice. But based on what you've said I would suggest two things. First, (and this is probably really hard or impossible), try not to worry, as that won't gain you anything (and I know when I am in your position in under a year's time I will think that is ridiculous advice as well). Second, I would write a list of the key issues that there were with my research (such as the one you have described) and bullet point what you will say as a robust defense (where appropriate) or very clear explanation as to why it was the case, what impact you think it had, how it could have been done differently etc.

Being thick skinned and taking crap are two different things. Put differently, bullying and criticism are completely different things. I'd say be thicked skinned - take criticism but don't take it personally - it's good and will make your work better. But if the focus of someone's behaviour is on YOU, rather than a constructive criticism of your work, then that is something different. If you show that you are aware of it and that it isn't acceptable, then they may stop doing it. If not then I'd say change supervisors. It will only get worse.

Finally found somewhere and booked it! Airbnb! It wasn't too expensive after all... I had accidentally entered dates and the prices it was displaying were for those dates whereas I thought they were for a single night. Lol! Good job no one knows what I twit I am! Thanks for your help : ) It is such a relief to have that part sorted.

I see it as going that extra step and impressive - a bit like the person who dresses really nicely at a conference. I think they stand out in a good way.

Sorry I've just realised that I have ignored your actual questions! So...all personal opinions here (and coming from someone who themselves hasn't got a business card and probably won't ever...)
1) I think you could put the field/expertise here - e.g., mental health researcher ... but personally I would just put name and PhD in X under it.
2) I definitely wouldn't include info about WHERE I got my degrees - that seems unnecessary and would clutter the card
3) Surely this is just down to personal preference, but I prefer the Moo/Momogram design - it's funky yet very professional

You forgot the part where you all needed family counselling afterwards. I still think he/she should get some though and try it out for themselves. It might lead to some key opportunities - you never know. Plus it can make you feel professional, so a nice confidence booster. I'm thinking of having some made myself now after all this convincing stuff I've said!

Yes go for it! Depends on your field and stuff but in mine they recently have been advertising lectureships that don't require the person to have done a postdoc.

I think you should. I always find it quite impressive when someone hands me one, and I remember them and normally put the card on my noticeboard in the hallway for a good while. If for any reason I wanted to contact that person, it would be very easy to do so - as I'd have their full name and contact details (rather than some scrap of paper with several addys scribbled on that I can't remember who they belong to).

(excuse the grammar of that last part - I am really tired and I know that sounds wrong but can't think of the right way to say it).

I think this forum offers what I need in terms of a source of support/insight from other PhD students. The networking I do (to hopefully lead to future collaborations) is mainly done at conferences with people in my field. I do recall seeing a post on here a few months ago though, where someone wanted to start something similar to what you are suggesting. Maybe you could search for it and contact that person, as they seemed very keen on doing something like you are suggesting. I just can't remember the title of their thread.