Yes, but you didn't understand what she tried to tell you. Cheers

If you read Ann's very sound advice again, you see that a PhD per se has nothing to do with journal articles. You don't get a PhD for having published widely. Publications will be useful for your viva, but you need to produce a thesis.

Congratulations!!

The more you publish prior to your viva, the easier the viva will be. In this case, you will have a poker card and the examiners can't really fail you as your research has been peer-reviewed and disseminated. I would definititely go for it, if I were you.

No matter what environment, a crime is a crime. And some human lives are not better than others. Therefore I think the public reaction is partly hypocritical. I still hope that Madeleine will be found savely and with no harm.

I'm afraid I'm number four.

Thanks Shani. I really appreciate your "emotional support".

After all, I agree with all posts on this forum. Of course I am realist enough that I did not expect a great response, but deep inside I was of course hoping for it, therefore my initial disappointment. 24 hours later, I just take it as an incentive to work harder, so that one day the holy professor will come down from this throne and talk to an 'unworthy' soul like myself. At least I got a response at all. In a way, I completely understand the professor's reaction. After all, he is probably really very busy. Thanks for all your comments, though.

My advice, write your literature review as you are reading. By doing this, you will have the nice feeling of actually seeing tangible results and not run the risk of forgetting everything/having to make notes/and so on. Also, even if it's not a perfect chapter, you will have some drafts to show to your supervisor. It will save you loads of time and efforts in your writing up stage (assuming you are humanities/social sciences).

thanks PinkNeuron

I really do love this. One moment, I feel like I'm actually clever enough to talk to these experts, the next moment I get hit in the face and remember what a pathetic little grain of sand I am in the ocean of academia. Maybe I should have stayed in McDonalds. Icarus trying to fly too close to the sun and eventually crashing down, that's my journey through the academic world.

Errm, strangly enough, the guy has already replied. He thanked me for my enquiry but politely declined any further correspondence, as he is very busy.

Quite frankly, I feel like a complete fool now!

LOL@TheCoastman

If you really want it, Chris, you'll definitely get an academic post one day. then you will also find your own textbooks and articles in the library

I have the weird feeling I've stepped too far and my critique is standing on thin ground. But now it's too late as I've pressed the button and sent off the email. In Sidney it's now 8.42am, so in couple of hours I will either receive a)no reaction, b) a positive reaction (unlikely) or c) a nasty reaction. I will keep you posted...

thanks, Rick. Although I have a feeling the individual wont take it very well, I'm now about to take the full risk. After all, Australia is far away from UK and it is unlikely that I will ever meet the person at a conference or work environment.