Thanks both. I've laid the writing down as I've had to return to some data analysis but I'll be picking up the pen again soon and will revisit this thread.

Thanks! I'll do my best but there's only so much I can change.

Sounds like they're being a bit of a twit!

I agree. I think the university are calling your bluff, or whatever the correct expression is here. They think that you either don't know your rights or will not assert them (i.e., by saying that you must have a new supervisor in order to continue).

There is absolutely no rule here! The quickest person will get it in first!

Yeh I was thinking maybe I had to be really creative and try to introduce in a radically different way each time. Probably wouldn't do much for the coherence of the overall thesis. Cheers Tree of Life

Yes, it needs an overall intro and a discussion (and will have the papers in the middle).

When I say I am copying it in, I mean I copy it in and then change it - it is the same facts just hashed up in a different way (it definitely would not be plagiarism - I am changing things enough for that). I see no other way to justify each study. The intros do differ a lot more as they get down to the final paragraphs and describing the present study and the nitty gritty - but several sections are always the same story - it is the same overarching ideas that make the rationale for the 3 studies. :/

Hello anyone still on here who has written their thesis already/recently... I'm doing mine in the alternative format (ie. three papers in my case - not necessarily published but in paper format). I'm finding that the intro to each paper is quite similar... I'm copying quite large parts over from the previous paper intro and changing the wording and structure a bit. I guess this is normal as the same main arguments form the basis for the three studies?! Or am I missing something...

Just found this:
Am thinking of trying the lego brick idea! Just thought I'd share for people starting or in the middle of writing up!

Hello

Does anyone know of any strategies to make writing fun??

I just imagined that if I type, my music will continue playing, and if I stop typing, the music will stop. That might motivate me, but I don't think there is any such a device!

I do actually like writing once I get into it (I prefer the refining part rather than the initial draft part).

Any tips?

Are you funded? (Sorry you may have stated this before and I have missed it).

What would happen if you said that you wanted the other supervisor (who has agreed to take you on) and are not willing to work with the old one any longer (full stop - no arguments - no more reasons given - just no)?

So what are your options now would you say?

Is it an MPhil? I've heard of people getting one of these instead of a PhD. I'd say definitely talk to admin or an academic mentor/tutor to get seconds opinions on this. And I wouldn't worry about CVs either - as it isn't a gap where you were doing nothing.

1. I've found Mendeley very straightforward (only other one I tried was Endnote)
2. I haven't experienced any problems with syncing - I may double check though as maybe the notes aren't there...
4-5. Unsure
6. There isn't any mind mapping tool as far as I can tell

Wow - these are cool!