Wednesday, 20 June 2012

You better write, or else....

Writing is a big part of grad school. Course assignments, lab protocols, manuscripts, review papers, book chapters...etc. It may not be the most fun you'll ever have, especially when there's a deadline approaching.

So if you ever find yourself jumping off your desk every 5 minutes because you just NEED to make coffee, or check your email, which then turns to "just checking any new notifications on facebook", which turns into " wow, they really did that, where are the rest of the pictures?"..., I have the right app for you!

Write or DIE! http://writeordie.com

Not the most appealing app name but you gotta try it to love it.

You know how most of us work better under stress? Basically that's how it works.
Imagine you started writing this manuscript and then George Clooney (swoon) knocks on your subconscious and you start picturing your good times in Italy and your family gatherings with Brad and Angelina....but all of a sudden, your manuscript starts deleting itself!!
Will you keep on writing or will Mr. Clooney take over? That's what it does, either reminds you if you have been idle for some time, screams until you start typing again or starts deleting what you already wrote...quite the punishment, huh?

The app tells you how many words you typed, average words/minute, punishments in case you were too distracted to write for sometime or decided to procrastinate, and even keeps a writing high score!
You can choose the severity of punishments before you start on your assignment, you can also set the word and time goals at the beginning.

Try it, it could help :)


Friday, 1 June 2012

Shit Graduate Students Say

Working hours for grad students

Advice: Before starting out in a lab, ask the older grad students about what your supervisor expects from you and how long he expects you to stay inside the lab!