How long can you ignore emails from your supervisor requesting writing? I have been writing up for a few weeks and my supervisor has started asking for drafts of chapters...but, being several hundred miles away, I am tempted to just ignore him. How long can I get away with this?
InD said "I would say you can ignore only a few"
I would say that you can ignore none! It is discourteous and shows a total lack of respect for someone who is trying to help you. IMO, if you ignore the supervisor's e-mails then you have no right to complain if they later ignore e-mails from you!
Every decent supervisor will understand that sometimes (often) writing takes longer than expected. Just let them know what you've been able to do (send a draft as Freddy and Sheena have suggested) and ask for some guidance on the parts you are finding difficult.
Well, I took your advice, emailed my supervisor with an overview of my progress and then set some due dates for chapters over the coming month - he seemed pleased with my progress, agreed with my dates and I now have something to work towards. No point getting lost in the writing wilderness by myself! You have made me realise how lucky I am to have a supervisor who makes time to ask how I am going and offer help - and it is not like he is not busy. Thank you for the advice, guys...now I hust have to finish a chapter by Sunday!!
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