Just wondering what other peoples opinions are on publishing your work as you go along in a phd. I keep hearing conflicting advice -some people encourage it, others say it draws you away from completing your studies. Any opinions out there?

What is your subject? If you want to apply for a postdoc position it is very helpfull. Or if you later on want to apply for a grant it will also be helpfull. One person I know didn't get the postdoc position she wanted because she didn't have a publication and was told so. Normaly you have people fighting to get onto a paper.

My super and uni wasn't very big on publishing. I wish they had been as now everyone seems to be publishing and getting a record before even beginning job hunting. It really does help when you look for fellowship positions. So even if there is no encouragement, I would still try and get some done.

Always a good idea to publish some work from your thesis prior to completing if you can. Your work has then already been peer reviewed and found to be up to the required standard. This puts you in good position for your viva!