Overview of LarryDavid

Recent Posts

Boredom after PhD
L

You can't have your cake and eat it!

PhD, 'passed with no corrections'
L

Vegans...

An MA along the way?
L

I don't know about 'bad practice' but it certainly is a bloody stupid idea.

Organising Research Visit of Prominent Academic
L

Hi

I wanted to ask some (stupid) questions I have about organising a research visit of a pretty important academic to my uni in the new year. I would contact my sup but we all know how attentive sups are - especially at weekends.

My query is really around money. Is it good etiquette to ask the academic to provide a list of their own expected costs, or do we suggest their costs? Or do we cover only the big costs and they have to sort out their own day to day expenses?

Sorry but this is my first time and I'm nervous! ,-)

My Viva Experience
L

Great stories like this is what the forum is all about! So inspiring!

PhD Life and ....romantic and sex life....
L

I've played my part in producing 3 kids during my Phd so I'm not doing too bad...

Gift for supervisors
L

Quote From BilboBaggins:

I waited until after I'd passed and my corrections were signed off. I'm afraid that my gift was just a hard bound copy of my corrected thesis, and a card with a handwritten note of thanks. But they really appreciated it.


You're a laugh a minute Bilbo!!! I'm thinking of sending round a troop of lap dancers to lick melted chocolate off his body while reading him my thesis.

*DISCLAIMER: This post may not be intended as a serious reply and therefore reader discretion is advised.

Paper request
L

Can anyone access this?

ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
Volume 40, Number 4, 713-723, DOI: 10.1007/s10508-011-9757-x

PM me!!

Paper Publication Strategy...
L

Hi guys

Great advice thank you! To be honest theres no great pressure to publish ASAP, however, from what I've heard, publications play a big part in possible future lectureship applications. The paper I want to submit next I have presented at one conference and will be presenting it again in November. Perhaps I'll wait to see if I receive any feedback from that conference and look to submit it to some higher ranking journals then.

Thanks for all your help!

P.S. Do you guys know anywhere online I can find the ranking of (humanities) journals?

Paper Publication Strategy...
L

I am in the 2nd year of my Phd in the Humanities and I'm hoping for some advice re: publication strategy

My thesis will be 5 chapters. I'm currently on chapter 3. My aim is to get 4 papers published, or in the process of publication, when I have my VIVA. I have had an adapted version of my first chapter published in a respectable journal so I'm on my way.

My question really is about people's experiences of submitting articles. Did you aim for top level journals and then work your way down your list? Obviously this would be the best strategy but I'm concerned about the time factor in this.

I've had indications that a lower level journal would accept a submission of an adapted version of my 2nd chapter. Would I be a fool to reject this chance in the hope a submission to a higher journal might (and its a big might) be accepted.

Many thanks!!

Thank you and update from me
L

Great to hear these stories on the forum! Congrats!

Is it too early to be worried about publication record?
L

Another thing to consider perhaps... I was told by a prof that as when examining in a Viva he wouldn't think of questioning any work from a thesis that had already been published. Obviously I guess he would probe the arguments or maybe work for some explanation on some points, but, as he said, how can he question work that has been blind peer reviewed, maybe twice, and passed by an editor. Some more experienced people here might have had other experiences in the Viva but still having 2 or 3 or 4 publications of material directly or indirectly from the thesis must be a great thing in someone's favour.

What you have learned about yourself
L

I have learned that:

1. I'm keeping my sanity by treating the Phd as a 9-5.

2. Saying that, I treat the thesis as the 9-5 with extra publications, reviews, papers etc written 'out-of-hours'.

3. Writing well is a skill that needs to be worked on.

4. Never compare your progress to other students.

5. Having hobbies outside of the Phd is great for de-stressing. Gym being the main one.

6. I have discovered that I can juggle Phd and family life and that supervisors are very supportive / couldn't really give a crap as long as it doesn't affect them [delete where appropriate]

7. Having babies forces you to focus rather than sapping creativity.

8. The Phd is a test of endurance rather than intelligence.

Completely self-absorbed Phd students
L

Hi
What is it with Phd students?

Am I the only one who suffers with someone that I come into contact with everyday completely sucking the life out of me? This girl has even finished her Phd and still she hangs around, turning every conversation around to her and talking about her experiences and her "issues".

During the Phd it was her supervisor - allegedly someone who is controlling and manipulative - and yet no other student has any complaint against her.

This student has even passed her Phd with minor corrections and still she's not happy. Her viva was the most grueling ever - she got no support, the examiners were out to get her, and she left the experience in tears (even though she passed and is now in the process of publishing elements of it).

I've heard she's got a job lined up now too - and still this is something to moan to others about. As soon as she turns up others try to send her signals that they are busy but still she butts in, spurting out endless I, I, I s. Of course she has also been diagnosed with something or other and keeps having attacks of some sort or other. That's fine, but the whole world doesn't need to know about it.

I remember an old prof saying that Phd students should take a few years out before starting the Phd to get a bit of life experience, realise that the world doesn't revolve around them, and work out that it shouldn't take over your life. He would say that if you found that the Phd was the no.1 priority in your life then it would all end in tears one way or another.

Haven't even started and already feel dejected.
L

With all due respect you need to sit down, have a think about the opportunity you have, and get a grip.

Rule number one in Phdland is never compare yourself to other Phd students or your mates who have real jobs.
Rule number two in Phdland is never compare yourself to other Phd students or your mates who have real jobs.
Rule number three in Phdland is never compare yourself to other Phd students or your mates who have real jobs.

"I'm nowhere near reaping the social and financial benefits from it". You need to get over yourself. Like any other job you get out what you put in. I still see research as a vocation and unfortunately, in the history of man, 'vocational work' is a euphemism for 'longs hours little pay.'

Again, you'll never become your "fully fledged adult" until you get your head out of your arse and realise the world doesn't revolve around you.